Lets turn kids dreams into reality
Donation protected
Let’s turn dreams into reality together!
My name is Olive Bukuru. I’m a Junior at Portland State University who’s pursuing a degree in Community Health with a minor in Black Studies and Aging Services. This is my story.
It’s not by my might nor strength that I, Olive Bukuru, am where I am today. In fact, I am and will forever be grateful for the support I have received over the years. I was born in Burundi, a country with a drawn-out history including civil war, conquest, and unfortunate ethnic conflicts. My family fled to Tanzania due to a civil war shortly after my birth. Since Nduta Camp (which is located in Kigoma region of Tanzania) is all I knew at the time, it is safe to say that it was the best place to live. This camp is where I attended kindergarten and elementary, and is where I made friends. My entire family and relatives were there. What more could I possibly ask for? My favorite memory about Nduta Camp was exploring the forests with friends all on our own. Even though I was too young to know any better, I knew that the kind of life I was used to was no life at all, mainly because of the stories I’d hear about European countries. I didn’t know for sure if any of the stories I grew up hearing were true, but it was assumed that living in the States or any European countries was way better because they guarantee a great education and lifestyle, safety, and tremendous opportunities.
In 2007, the UN Refugee Agency gave a lot of Burundian families residing in Nduta an opportunity to migrate to the United States. Through this program, my family came to Oregon. Again, moving to Oregon is probably one of the best things that ever happened to me. Although my move to Oregon was very stressful and difficult, my family overcame this through the help of newfound friends. America opened its arms and took us in. America embraced us like we were its own and helped us in times of need. Again, I am and will always be grateful that this nation gave my family a new start at life, sheltered us, and provided more opportunities. Truly, Oregon has become my new home.
I knew I was meant to attend Portland State when I first came to visit the university back in 2009 on a field trip with my 8th grade class. I fell in love with the campus, the food carts, the environment, the rec center, and much more. I just loved everything that made the school what it is today. Because I had only been in the U.S for 3 years, learning English and how to communicate with my classmates was a big struggle. Since then, my English and communication skills have improved. I worked very hard in high school, maintaining a 3.5 GPA while being involved in school activities just so I could get into Portland State. My hard work finally paid off back in 2014. Being admitted here and actually making the decision to attend this school has been one of the greatest and best decisions I ever made. Attending PSU has allowed me to meet lots of new people who have already impacted me as an individual and the young woman I am today. I have learned so much through my peers, professors and everyone I have come in contact with. Most of all, I have learned how to get involved, give back and help underserved communities.
This Summer, I will be studying abroad through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) program in Iringa, Tanzania. In Makamba, Burundi, I hope to help students who are orphans and those who lack access to school supplies. In Iringa, Tanzania, I plan on visiting former refugee camps and will bring with me school supplies for students wanting to further their education. Some of these students do not have parents and thus lack access to basic needs such as notebooks, pens and pencils, backpacks, uniforms, and much more. By providing little things like school supplies, I hope to encourage and inspire some of Burundian and Tanzanian kids to continue to follow their dreams, turning their dreams into reality.
Here is a list of things kids need to stay in school in Burundi & Tanzania:
Backpack
Binders
Notebooks
Rulers
Pens/pencils/crayons
Erasers
Glue sticks
Planners
Thank you very much for your generous donation! Your donation will help purchase school supplies for kids who are struggling to stay in school. I know for a fact a lot of kids are eager to get new school supplies. I’ll keep everyone updated on my experience. Thanks again. If you would like to know more about my story and inquire about my cause, feel free to contact me at [email redacted].
My name is Olive Bukuru. I’m a Junior at Portland State University who’s pursuing a degree in Community Health with a minor in Black Studies and Aging Services. This is my story.
It’s not by my might nor strength that I, Olive Bukuru, am where I am today. In fact, I am and will forever be grateful for the support I have received over the years. I was born in Burundi, a country with a drawn-out history including civil war, conquest, and unfortunate ethnic conflicts. My family fled to Tanzania due to a civil war shortly after my birth. Since Nduta Camp (which is located in Kigoma region of Tanzania) is all I knew at the time, it is safe to say that it was the best place to live. This camp is where I attended kindergarten and elementary, and is where I made friends. My entire family and relatives were there. What more could I possibly ask for? My favorite memory about Nduta Camp was exploring the forests with friends all on our own. Even though I was too young to know any better, I knew that the kind of life I was used to was no life at all, mainly because of the stories I’d hear about European countries. I didn’t know for sure if any of the stories I grew up hearing were true, but it was assumed that living in the States or any European countries was way better because they guarantee a great education and lifestyle, safety, and tremendous opportunities.
In 2007, the UN Refugee Agency gave a lot of Burundian families residing in Nduta an opportunity to migrate to the United States. Through this program, my family came to Oregon. Again, moving to Oregon is probably one of the best things that ever happened to me. Although my move to Oregon was very stressful and difficult, my family overcame this through the help of newfound friends. America opened its arms and took us in. America embraced us like we were its own and helped us in times of need. Again, I am and will always be grateful that this nation gave my family a new start at life, sheltered us, and provided more opportunities. Truly, Oregon has become my new home.
I knew I was meant to attend Portland State when I first came to visit the university back in 2009 on a field trip with my 8th grade class. I fell in love with the campus, the food carts, the environment, the rec center, and much more. I just loved everything that made the school what it is today. Because I had only been in the U.S for 3 years, learning English and how to communicate with my classmates was a big struggle. Since then, my English and communication skills have improved. I worked very hard in high school, maintaining a 3.5 GPA while being involved in school activities just so I could get into Portland State. My hard work finally paid off back in 2014. Being admitted here and actually making the decision to attend this school has been one of the greatest and best decisions I ever made. Attending PSU has allowed me to meet lots of new people who have already impacted me as an individual and the young woman I am today. I have learned so much through my peers, professors and everyone I have come in contact with. Most of all, I have learned how to get involved, give back and help underserved communities.
This Summer, I will be studying abroad through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) program in Iringa, Tanzania. In Makamba, Burundi, I hope to help students who are orphans and those who lack access to school supplies. In Iringa, Tanzania, I plan on visiting former refugee camps and will bring with me school supplies for students wanting to further their education. Some of these students do not have parents and thus lack access to basic needs such as notebooks, pens and pencils, backpacks, uniforms, and much more. By providing little things like school supplies, I hope to encourage and inspire some of Burundian and Tanzanian kids to continue to follow their dreams, turning their dreams into reality.
Here is a list of things kids need to stay in school in Burundi & Tanzania:
Backpack
Binders
Notebooks
Rulers
Pens/pencils/crayons
Erasers
Glue sticks
Planners
Thank you very much for your generous donation! Your donation will help purchase school supplies for kids who are struggling to stay in school. I know for a fact a lot of kids are eager to get new school supplies. I’ll keep everyone updated on my experience. Thanks again. If you would like to know more about my story and inquire about my cause, feel free to contact me at [email redacted].
Organizer
Olivia Kabura
Organizer
Hillsboro, OR
