Nindeba Espoir

Nindeba Espoir is a Congolese-American social entrepreneur, humanitarian, professional photographer, and the President of Kira For Action Organization. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Espoir was raised amid constant warfare and conflict.

Espoir is a Gatumba massacre survivor , a massacre which occurred in a refugee camp in Burundi on August 13, 2004. During this attack, 166 Congolese refugees were killed and 106 were wounded. Espoir was shot in his right shoulder, and the bullet traveled horizontally through his chest to his left shoulder. Surgeons were able to successfully remove the bullet. Following this event, Espoir and his family lived in another refugee camp in Burundi for over three years before being granted asylum in the United States. In 2007, they relocated to Austin, Texas.

Espoir’s experiences fueled his passion for healthcare and inspired his aspiration to start a non profit organization. While in high school, he surrounded himself with ambitious peers and during his college years, began realizing his vision. He founded Kira For Action, an organization dedicated to supporting refugees globally including within the United States. The organization provides essential services, such as medical supplies, clean water, shelter, food, and education. Additionally, Espoir’s efforts have positively impacted thousands of individuals and families in East Africa and the United States.

Dieudonne K Rutabagaya

Hi, my name is Dieudonne K Rutabagaya and I have lived in Austin, TX for 16 years. My story begins in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where I was born and raised. I had the privilege of receiving a solid education, studying both elementary and high school in Congo/DRC. After finishing my formal education, I went on to study Theology for 3 years in the Kalemie region.

Teaching was always a passion of mine, so I worked as a teacher for a number of years. I also taught at a Bible school for 3 years, where I had the opportunity to share my love for God and knowledge of the scripture with others.

My love for serving God and my community led me to Austin, Texas, where I have been the Senior Pastor of Hope of Life Baptist Church for over 7 years now. During this time, I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve and help people in any way I can. Whether it's through the church or through community initiatives, I find joy in giving back and making a difference in people's lives.

As a pastor, I have seen the many challenges faced by those in need, including those in the Congolese community. This has motivated me to do more, to help in any way I can and bring hope to those who are struggling. That's why I really want to help the needy. Whether it's through providing basic necessities like food and shelter or offering emotional support, I believe that it is my calling to make a positive impact in people's lives.

I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve God and my community and I look forward to continuing to do so in the future.

MANOA SEBAHIZI

Hi, my name is Manoa Sebahizi and I am proud to come from a family with a strong passion for helping others. Growing up with my grandmother, Elizabeth, I was surrounded by love and compassion for those in need. My father was also a successful doctor and his love for medicine and helping others left a lasting impression on me. Unfortunately, due to financial limitations, I was not able to pursue a career in medicine as I had dreamed.

Despite this setback, I never lost my desire to help others and make a difference in the world. My passion for helping the less fortunate led me to become involved with the Kira for Action Foundation. Here, I am able to use my skills and knowledge to contribute to the organization's mission of supporting refugees and immigrants in need of health care, social assistance, and education.

I am proud to be a part of this organization and to be making a positive impact in the lives of others. Through my involvement with Kira for Action, I am fulfilling my lifelong dream of helping those in need and making a difference in the world. I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and I am determined to continue working towards creating a brighter future for all.

DAVID MANOA

Hello, my name is David Manoa!
Nineteen years ago; on Friday 13, 2004 at 10pm more than 163 people, half of them children, were shot, hacked, and burned to death at the Gatumba refugee camp in Burundi. The victims, Banyamulenge (The Congolese Tutsis) were under UNHCR protection, but the attackers came through and killed our beloved brothers and sisters. The non-Tutsi refugees were left in the camp unharmed.

The killers came in the night and hacked to death perfectly our innocent people who were already suffering because violent conflict in our country (Congo) had turned them into refugees. Many of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition. The attackers poured petrol on the shacks in which we lived and set them on fire. They attacked a Burundi army camp located nearby, charged with the responsibility to protect us. Those who tried to run away were shot down in cold blood.

The Gunmen did their dirty work of murdering in cold blood over 160 children, women and men as they slept. They were carrying guns and knives, and some of them were dressed in police uniforms. Burundi's Hutu rebel National Liberation Forces (FNL) has claimed responsibility for the attack and the Human Rights Watch gave further details of the attack. My life was empty. The poverty was terrible as there were days there was no money for food so I went to sleep in pain, in hunger. Few months after the attack, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) helped the first people who survived a massacre including my family to resettle to the United States of America. I started a new life and felt safe in the United States.