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Help Jean-Claude Become a Machinist

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Introduction

Welcome!

I am a friend and advocate for a recently resettled refugee, and his family, living in Phoenix, Arizona. We have been meeting weekly for the last several months. My role is to help him adjust to the United States. His name is Jean-Claude, and he is a phenomenal man.  Jean-Claude wants to support his wife and three children (aged 6 years, 4 years, and 3 months) by earning his Machinist Certificate from Gateway Community College. Machinists create metal parts to be used in cars, airplanes, and in other countless products. The demand for this skilled labor is high in our country, and students from the Gateway Community College program often have jobs lined up before graduation. The total cost of the 10 month program is $6815. The last day to submit the fees is August 2nd, 2018. If we all contribute a little money, we can give Jean-Claude the jumpstart that he needs to provide for his family!

Jean-Claude's Story:

Childhood in Burundi


Jean-Claude was born in the countryside in the small African country of Burundi. He attended grade school where he learned English, French, and Swahili, in addition to his native language of Kirundi. He was good at math and physics. He developed a passion for machines, and wanted to learn how they worked and how to build them. Upon graduation from high school, Jean-Claude moved to Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. Jean-Claude began attending a several year long program to become a machinist. After completing his first year of school, tragedy struck Burundi. An 11 year long civil war began after Burundi's first democratically elected president was assassinated, ultimately claiming 300,000 lives. The capital was flung into ethnic violence, and Jean-Claude was forced to abandon his schooling and flee.

Refugee Camp

Following a string of other refugees, Jean-Claude arrived in a refugee camp in the neighboring country of Tanzania. He was an intelligent and driven young man who just had his future and family ripped from him. After several years, he was moved to a different refugee camp in the country of Malawi. Jean-Claude would then spend the next 20 years of his life confined to this refugee camp. As a refugee in Malawi, he was not permitted to resettle or find a job in his host country. Jean-Claude met his wife while living in the Malawi refugee camp. Soon after marriage, their eldest daughter was born, followed two years later by their second child, a boy. With no future in the Malawi refugee camp, Jean-Claude and his family were at last referred for resettlement by the United Nations to the United States. After two more years of vetting, interviews, and health checks, the United States accepted Jean-Claude and his family for resettlement in Phoenix, Arizona.

Resettlement in the United States

Jean-Claude and his family resettled in Phoenix in July of 2017, living in a humble one bedroom apartment. Several months after arrival, Jean-Claude's third and final child, a girl, was born. Jean-Claude currently supports his young family of 5 by working 40-50 hours a week butchering cattle at a factory.  During a shift he butchers up to 300 cattle, which is back breaking work. If Jean-Claude is able to afford the Machinist Program, he will go to school Monday-Thursday from 7am to 1pm, and then go to work from 3pm to 1am.

Despite all his hardships, Jean-Claude has an infectious laugh, his smile brightens anyone's day, and his work ethic and determination are unparalleled. His core belief is one must work to secure their own future. He has already overcome so much just to be where he is today. This man wants to work hard for his living. He is a family man. He knows English. He has everything he needs to succeed in our country. For the first time in a very long time, Jean-Claude's future and potential are beyond bright.  Please share this campaign with your friends and family. Let's help give Jean-Claude the boost that he needs to thrive!

Thank you,
Mark

Information about the CNC Machinist Program  

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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $25
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer

Mark Joyner
Organizer
Glendale, AZ

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