At 23 years old, Bucumi Emmanuel has already faced challenges that would test the strength of anyone much older. Originally from the Minago area in Rumonge Province, Burundi, Emmanuel’s childhood was disrupted when he developed a tumor in both knees. The illness kept him out of school for nearly three years and severely limited his mobility during some of the most important years of his life.
Raised in a polygamous family with limited resources, Emmanuel could not rely on consistent support from his father. Instead, his mother became his main source of care and encouragement through years of uncertainty and hardship.
In 2015, insecurity in Burundi forced Emmanuel, his mother, brother, and two sisters to flee to Tanzania, where they sought refuge in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp. Life in the camp was difficult, marked by uncertainty and limited opportunities. Yet Emmanuel refused to give up on his future. Determined to continue his education, he returned to school while also engaging in small-scale trade by selling phone credit to help support his family.
Years later, the family made the difficult decision to return home to Burundi. Their repatriation journey passed through Gitara Transit Centre in Makamba Province, where UNHCR coordinated the reception and transportation of returnees while providing guidance on reintegration opportunities.
At the transit center, AIRD teams conducted socio-economic assessments, supported the family with reintegration assistance and facilitated medical referrals tailored to Emmanuel’s condition. The family also received medical care, psychosocial support and practical assistance to help them prepare for their return home.
The coordinated support from UNHCR and AIRD ensured that Emmanuel and his family returned to Rumonge with dignity, stability and renewed hope instead of facing displacement once again without support.
Today, Emmanuel is in his final year of secondary school. Despite years of pain and displacement, he continues to pursue his education with determination while aspiring to enroll in vocational training to become self-reliant and support his extended family.
“I want to finish my studies to help my family,” Emmanuel says with quiet determination. Although challenges remain, including the need for continued medical care, mobility support, and vocational training opportunities, Emmanuel’s story reflects the importance of comprehensive reintegration support that addresses health, education, and livelihoods together.
His journey stands as a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of humanitarian support in helping displaced families rebuild their lives with hope for the future