At the Gihanga Transit Center in Burundi, the work begins long before the first bus arrives. It is a place where journeys end, and new beginnings take shape. On one Thursday in November 2025, Evelyne, newly recruited to the AIRD assistance team, prepared to witness her first repatriation convoy. She felt both excitement and responsibility as she stepped into her role of supporting returning families.

Among the 150 returnees arriving that day were 47 families who had travelled from Sange, crossing the Gatumba border. Exhausted, hungry, and carrying the weight of past challenges, they were met with a warm welcome. Evelyne quickly found herself side by side with her more experienced colleagues, helping wherever she was needed. She lifted luggage, guided families to shelter, cleaned rooms, washed windows, and supported the kitchen team as hot meals were prepared.
For Evelyne, these tasks were her way of saying, “Welcome home.” She remembered the encouragement she had received when joining the team. Every small action represented care, dignity, and community.

As the day unfolded, Evelyne met Tuyikeze, a 20-year-old Burundian also returning home. Their conversation, though brief, reminded her of the courage and resilience of those they served. In their eyes, she saw relief, uncertainty, and the slow return of joy, a reminder of why this work mattered.
By evening, Evelyne realized that her first day was not only the start of a job, but also the beginning of a purpose.

She reflected with a smile, “It is very encouraging to make someone smile again. When I thought about working with AIRD, I was expecting hard work, but I found a family that builds hope and joy in the hearts of people in difficult situations.”
In welcoming others home, Evelyne has found her own sense of belonging. Her first day reminded her that hope can be rebuilt through service, compassion, and the simple act of showing up with a willing heart.