My parents wanted me to finish school first before doing this trip to Burundi”.īefore coming on this trip, Jocrisse felt as though he did not really have a place he can call home, " I am not really American, born in Tanzania, I am not Tanzanian, raised in a Burundian household but never been to Burundi. Since then, it’s the first time he has visited Burundi “ I thought it was important for me to get back to my roots. He was seven years old when the family left the refugee camp to the United States as refugee. Looking back, he found it impressive that his parents could separate from their families to start a different life for all their children. He asked his mother why the grand parents did not come with them “ My mom did not want to come because she did not know what she was going to do in the US, we have no family here, with your dad we made the decision to go for a different life for you all” explains Editha, Jocrisse’s mother. He also remembered living in the camp with his grandparents and still asking himself why they did not come with them “ I still have the image of us saying goodbye for the last time” added Jocrisse. Little did I know he was there to help me,” remembered Jocrisse. I remember touching him and running away. I remember following him throughout the camp. For instance, I remember seeing a white person for the first time. “ I always have to get validation from my parents on details. A recollection of memories is sometimes mistaken for a dream. Memories of the years spent living in the camp are faint. “ There were people collectively working together to help us” added Jocrisse. Out of curiosity, this was mostly done to find out who he was, and learn more about his story. When I arrived in the states, I looked it up on google, because we had a bag with UNICEF written on it, because I wanted to know what UNICEF is” explains Jocrisse. They were very involved in every aspect of our life. Additionally, UNICEF provided healthcare services, clothes and education resources, etc. I remember there being long lines for things such as sugar and flour from time to time. In Rukore camp, like many other refugee camps, UNICEF provides lots of services, “ UNICEF fed us, that’s how we ate. I could roam around and play all day, I didn’t need shoes, everyone knew everyone” says Jocrisse. I didn't know any other place other than the camp. The memories he keeps from the time spent in the refugee camp of Rukore are yet joyful memories “I was a child, so everything just seemed perfect. Indeed, nothing about Jocrisse today suggests that he was born and raised in a refugee camp until he’s 7. The first thing that strikes you when you meet Jocrisse is his smile! that smile that shows a fulfilled youth but also a happy childhood.
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