Joseph  Munyambanza

Joseph Munyambanza, one of the Educate! students from the Democratic Republic of Congo living in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, Uganda, was admitted to the first class of students at African Leadership Academy. ALA (www.africanleadershipacademy.org) is a model advanced level secondary school in South Africa that accepted only 100 students among applicants from all over the world. The admission process was tough - two rounds of applications as well as a day long practical interview - and the acceptance rate was more competitive than Harvard. Way to go Joseph! At ALA’s grand opening ceremony, Joseph even had the chance to read a closing poem after an address by Desmond Tutu (see the poem below). After the poem, Joseph had a chance to greet and hug Archbishop Tutu, truly a model leader for Africa.

It is remarkable that Joseph was admitted to ALA, and it is just as incredible that he received a full ride scholarship from the school. But there is no doubt that Joseph is deserving of this opportunity. His work in and out of school from starting an anti-violence club benefitting women victim to physical and sexual violence in the Congo, to receiving top grades, to helping COBURWAS (an organization started by Educate! students, including Joseph) find a way to send more youth in Kyangwali Refugee Camp to school is truly inspiring.

In addition to all that Joseph has accomplished he has an incredible heart and the purest of intentions which shine through from the moment you meet him. His personality and attitude will make him an integral part of the first ALA class, and it will be exciting to follow his progress.

Here is a message from Joseph, who began at ALA in early September, ‘08, to thank all the supporters of Educate!:

 

Special thanks to my caring parents and

guardians in Educate!

 

Surely, I cannot precisely express how much you mean to us, our community, country, our motherland Africa, and the world at large! I am very sorry my words cannot give the appreciation you deserve.

The best gift a parent can give to the beloved child is nothing rather than education. The exact gift you have provided to us when we and the world around us greatly need it.

You have built our hope for the future. You have shown us the key to the future. You have given our vision a good base. And now we dream big day and night.

We feel supported all the time. No matter how far you are from us, you hear us when we cry for help. Thank you for your kindness, humility, strong and unique love you have for Africa. You have loved us without knowing us. We are so grateful, delighted and excited of your wonderful love.

Now the question we have is “what will our community be like in 15-20 years to come?”

Personally, I am living like a runner in a race. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training so as to get a crown. I therefore focus on my vision. I do try all I can to maintain discipline, carefully following the footsteps of my role models and making it simple for those who will consider me their role model.

May Almighty God bless Wolford’s family abundantly for considering me part of their family, Stacey Frumm for being my close friend, Mom Beth for the spiritual food and other good things she does in the refugees’ camp in Kyangwali. And may God bless all Educate! donors because their contribution to our community and Africa at large is so excellent.

 

Thanks very much.

 

Sincerely,

Joseph

 

Joseph is pictured below at Cornerstone Leadership Academy, the school he attended before being accepted to African Leadership Academy.  Joseph is completely sponsored by the Wolford Family (Jane, Dan, Adam, and Jonathan) of Longmont, Colorado.

 

 

Here is the poem Joseph read to Archbishop Desmond Tutu after the Archbishop’s talk at African Leadership Academy:

 

Tireless Archbishop

 

Fierce voice of the voiceless.

Freedom and justice ever your vision,

To end the oppression you faced even prison.

 

Your whole life you fostered peace,

And in victory you remained meek.

Through the work of a sage like you

The whole world feels like new.

 

Silver and gold I can’t yet pay,

‘I won’t forget’ with pride I can say

May the Lord keep you with us

In times like now we need you with us.

 

We thank you for all sacrifices made

And one word from your mouth is a foundation laid

Our generation of leaders stands ready

For this Africa we must keep steady.

 

Joseph Munyambanza

ALA Student.

 

Listen to an interview with Joseph that aired on KGNU radio, here.

Or, read an article about Joseph and African Leadership Academy in the November/December, 2009 Stanford Alumni magazine.