At just 14 years old, IZONYONGERA Esta today embodies the hope and resilience of repatriated children in Burundi. A pupil at Kabuyenge II Basic School in Gisuru Commune, Buhumuza Province, her educational journey is a powerful story of courage and achievement.

In 2015, when she was still very young, Esta and her family were forced to flee their country and seek refuge in Kenya, in the Kalobeye I refugee camp. For several years, life in exile shaped her daily reality, far from her homeland. Despite these difficult circumstances, she continued her education and reached Grade 4 when a new chapter of her life began.

In 2022, following awareness-raising campaigns led by the Government of Burundi and its partners, Esta’s family made the courageous decision to return home. Reintegration was not without challenges, particularly for children who had to adapt to a different education system. With the agreement of the head teacher of Kabuyenge II Basic School and her parents, Esta accepted to repeat Grade 3 in order to better adjust to the Burundian school system.

What seemed like a step backward quickly became a powerful leap forward. Through remedial classes in language and other subjects organized by Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Burundi–Tanzania for repatriated children under the Kaze Twiyunge project, funded by the European Union, Esta gradually regained confidence and strengthened her academic skills.

The results were remarkable. Ranked 23rd in the first term, she rose to 9th place in the second term, before achieving 1st place in the third term. Since then, she has proudly maintained this top position, a clear testament to her determination and potential.

IZONYONGERA Esta’s story demonstrates that with appropriate support, a caring environment, and inclusive educational opportunities, repatriated children can not only recover but also excel. Her journey is a source of inspiration and a strong testimony to the positive impact of educational support initiatives implemented by JRS and its partners.