With the aim of continuing its mission to accompany, serve and defend the cause of forcibly displaced people, so that they can heal, learn and build their future in community, JRS Burundi-Tanzania under UNHCR funding through the DAFI scholarship offered an internship to 26 winners of this scholarship so that these young refugees and returnees can transform their academic career into high-level expertise capable of influencing the economic development of their nation.

These young laureates were able to join the different departments of the organization to learn and transform their careers marked by vulnerability into real careers of excellence.

Raïssa Iteritaka: Breaking glass ceilings through financial rigour

A former repatriate and DAFI laureate in Accounting Sciences at the Université Lumière in Bujumbura, Raïssa Iteriteka embodies the strength of determination. Her journey has not been linear: returning from exile in 2021, she had to face financial instability and the weight of social scrutiny, initially fearing that she would be stigmatised as a “repatriate”.

Today, at the Department of Finance, she proves that competence erases barriers. By mastering financial entry, audits and verification of supporting documents, Raïssa is preparing to become a key player in development.

” This experience at JRS is the pillar that solidifies my vision and gives me the confidence to apply to any international organization .”

Emmanuel Kirandage: From the precariousness of the Bwagiriza camp to senior management

Emmanuel Kirandage’s career is one of exemplary resilience. Registered in the Bwagiriza refugee camp, he has long carried with him the anxiety of seeing his university dreams crumble. It was thanks to the information shared within the camp about the DAFI scholarship that he was able to complete his studies at the University of Burundi.

Now an intern in the finance department of JRS Burundi-Tanzania, Emmanuel transforms his theoretical knowledge into practical expertise. Passionate about management, he sees JRS as an opportunity for him to become a high-level executive, proving that social status does not define the destination. His message is a cry of hope for his peers: ” Don’t be distracted by obstacles. Stay focused, because that’s the only way to turn your dreams into reality .”

Athia Murielle : Transforming grief into humanitarian commitment 

A DAFI laureate in Public Health with a brilliant distinction of 78%, Athia Murielle almost saw her studies come to an abrupt end after the death of her father, who provided her financial support. In the face of desperation, the DAFI programme offered her a second chance which she seized with exemplary discipline.

Now integrated into the JRS programme department, Athia follows up with other DAFI fellows and actively participates in the drafting of technical reports. This stint at JRS allowed him to master field work and refine his ambition to become a Food Security Officer. For her, the key to success lies in openness: ” If I was able to get this opportunity, it’s because I was in collaboration with others .”

By offering real immersion and quality coaching, JRS Burundi-Tanzania enables DAFI laureates to move from beneficiary to professional executive. By leveraging these young talents, the organization is not only responding to a humanitarian crisis; it prepares the leaders who will build Burundi or even Africa and/or the world of tomorrow.