I asked our focus team to share who they admired… they were allowed to pick any human, past or present. Their responses are all really heartfelt.
Joy says she would like to be like Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013). He was a South African anti-apartheid activist, politician and statesman who served as the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country’s first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by fostering racial reconciliation. Ideologically an African nationalist and socialist. Joy explains, “his selflessness and ever willingness to help, made me envy him, I wish to be someone who helps others when in need and stand for what’s right like Nelson Mandela.”
This is some role model to follow!
Emma admires her Dad, sharing “I have huge respect for my dad. As he supported me through a lot of things and still does. I like how my dad is easy to talk to and always positive and likes to get things done. And has a can-do attitude. I, too, would like to be like that. My dad told me to go for it with the sewing. During covid and so I did. And haven’t stopped since.”
Emma, I know life is not easy for you, so it is reassuring to know that your dad is close by you, when you need him.
Ezekiel admires Bosco Mutebutsi, the National coordinator of ICJ Foundation in Burundi. He explains “Bosco leads the organisation that helps many families though the teachings of word of God and the development. They make disciples of Christ who make disciples. Out of the world of God they teach young people new professions like sewing and wives the modern agriculture like to cultivate Maize. I met with him in 2016 at Ciya Hill Bubanza province where he came to teach the word of God.”
Bosco definitely has a heart to serve the people of Burundi.
Gilbert admires the RAJEDES Burundi coordinator Donatien NIBOGORA. He explains “he is a serious and humble man who works for the community without ceasing. After completing my secondary studies I decided to follow the training in sewing. I went to the Twese mu iterambere center created by RAJEDES where Donatien is coordinator. This is where we met. He became my good guide an exemplary in the simple and spiritual life.”
Yes, a gentle spirited man and worthy guide.
Esperance shares the person she admires so much is Kamariza Diane. “We met first in 2019 when I was going through alot. I had just moved from the countryside to the city with the help of a friend who knew Diane. She offered me work at her house, but it wasn’t just work. She treated me like I was her daughter. She helped me overcome my traumatic state by listening to me. I really needed someone to listen, and she was that person.
She’s very caring, and loves everyone. She has her own project that works with helping vulnerable people in the community. I aspire to be like her, possessing fruits of the spirit, such as love, joy, goodness. She taught me that God has a plan for everyone from whatever background and He uses them too, for His greater plan.”
Diane sounds so beautiful Esperance.
