Daniel's Degree in Nursing

Daniel is a wonderful person who worked hard to make it off the streets after losing his parents in the Rwandan genocide. He was accepted into a nursing program at the University of Rwanda and dreams of helping others. However, he needs help covering his costs: about $800 per year in tuition (he could not receive aid from his government), housing costs at about $100 per year, and other fees, including registration and insurance, which come to about $90. Daniel hopes to be able to continue his education for all three years of the course, so we are trying to help him save up money now. Below is his acceptance letter. He is working hard over the summer as well. Daniel is a strong and ambitious young man who has faced much adversity but perseveres through his own strength and his faith in God. He is polite and has an incredibly warm heart, as well as a passion for knowledge. He isn’t asking for much - let’s help him reach his dream of helping others!

“My name is Daniel Niyonshuti. I am twenty years old and I am trying to pay for my university studies. I lost my parents during the Rwandan genocide of 1994. When I was very young I found myself on street and I grew on street but I am no longer a street kid. On street I lived in tough situation: I did not have food to eat sometimes, I carried loads and luggages for people, so that they may give a small money, but I also went to the gabagebin to pick the waste food. Because I did not have somewhere to sleep I slept under big bridge near round about but it was very hard to get sleep because I slept on sheets of old boxes and I was very afraid that one day the bridge will fall over me and it was very noisy. I did not have security. People found me on the street and beat me without reason, and sometimes they forced me to take drugs like marijuana and glue but all these made me unhappy and in pain. As time went on I saw children I growing up and going to school, and I wished to go school too, but It seemed to impossible to me. During 2003, I met volunteers through government who took me to school which was responsible for me then. The school provided me with food and a teacher gave me a room to sleep. At primary six, I did national examunation and I passed it. It allowed me to go to secondary school.

For senior three, I did olevel examination and I passed it and was allowed to continue to A level where I did biology ,chemistry and physics. Last, I did A level examination and I was qualified to study General Nursing in University of Rwanda. I want to be a doctor. It is my dream, so that I may help others. Through this long journey I have seen the power of God and his mercy. He has been on my side - he is my confidence and my refuge. Please help me reach my dream.”