Voices of Change: Stories from the Boys We Serve

At the heart of every mission are the people it touches. For the Karitas Karisimbi Foundation, that means boys whose lives have been redirected, reimagined, and reignited through care, mentorship, and opportunity.

Here are three stories that remind us why this work matters.

Brian, 13 — From Dropout to Dreamer

Brian was just 11 when he dropped out of school. His father had left, his mother was working long hours to survive, and no one noticed when he stopped attending class.

“I was just sitting at home. Sometimes I helped neighbors with odd jobs to get food,” he says.

Through our outreach team, Brian was identified and enrolled in a bursary-supported program. He received school supplies, uniforms, and joined a weekly mentorship group focused on confidence and goal-setting.

Now 13, Brian is back in school and wants to become a civil engineer.

“I feel seen now,” he says. “I know I can build things—not just with my hands, but with my life.”

David, 17 — Healing After Trauma

David was dealing with something few boys are taught to talk about: emotional trauma. After losing his older brother in a motorcycle accident, he withdrew completely.

“No one asked how I was. They said, ‘You’re the man now. Be strong.’ I was angry all the time,” he shares.

David was introduced to one of our community counseling partners through a school-based program. With time, he opened up. He found peace not in pretending to be strong—but in learning it’s okay to ask for help.

Today, David volunteers as a peer mentor for younger boys.

“Boys don’t need to act tough. They need to feel safe. I try to be that person now.”

Samuel, 10 — Escaping Child Labour

Samuel spent most of his childhood selling fruit on the street. School wasn’t an option—his family needed every coin to survive.

“I used to watch other kids in uniform walking to school. I thought maybe one day.”

Through a campaign focused on ending child labor, Samuel’s case was flagged. After several family meetings, his parents agreed to withdraw him from street work and enroll him in school with support from the Foundation.

Now he spends his mornings in class and afternoons playing football with friends.

“I never knew what it felt like to have a schoolbag or books,” he says, smiling. “Now I do.”

Every Boy Has a Story

These stories are just a few of many. Every boy we work with has faced challenges—some visible, some hidden—but all deserving of support.

At Karitas Karisimbi Foundation, we believe change doesn’t start with grand gestures. It starts with listening, showing up, and investing in each life one by one.

When you donate, volunteer, or partner with us, you become part of these stories too.