At just 13 years old, Samuel had already faced more hardship than most of us could imagine.
Growing up in Kiziba Refugee Camp in Rwanda, his days were filled with uncertainty. After losing access to school due to family struggles and limited resources, it seemed like his dreams were slipping away.
But today, Samuel is back in class, smiling with a notebook in his hands—and it’s thanks to a small act of support with a big impact.
This is one of the many ways A Cup for Humanity is empowering refugees—by helping children like Samuel reclaim their right to education and hope.
A Life Interrupted
Samuel’s story mirrors the reality of thousands of children living in refugee camps. His parents fled conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and found shelter in Kiziba.
Like many refugee families, they struggled to meet even the most basic needs. When school supplies became a luxury they couldn’t afford, Samuel had to stop attending school.
He used to sit near the fence, watching other children walk to class. “I missed wearing my uniform,” he said quietly. “And I missed learning.”
This silence, this pause in learning, was more than a temporary break. It was the kind of pause that can stretch into a lifetime—unless someone steps in.
How A Cup for Humanity Helped
At A Cup for Humanity, we believe that empowering refugees starts with listening—and then taking action. When we met Samuel, it was clear what he needed most: a chance.
Our team provided him with school supplies, a uniform, and helped cover his school fees for the year.
But more than the materials, it was the encouragement and follow-up from our volunteers that made the biggest difference. We worked closely with Samuel’s teachers and caregivers to ensure he didn’t just return to school—he stayed there.
Today, he’s thriving. He loves math and dreams of becoming a doctor. His smile has returned, along with his confidence.
Why Education Matters in Refugee Communities
Education offers more than knowledge. For children in camps like Kiziba, it creates structure, dignity, and a sense of belonging. It protects children from the dangers of idleness and helps heal emotional wounds caused by displacement and trauma.
That’s why ACfH has made a long-term commitment to empowering refugees—especially youth—through education, emotional support, and community partnerships. Samuel’s story is just one of many, but it’s proof that change is possible.
A Ripple of Hope
Samuel’s return to school doesn’t just benefit him—it inspires others around him. His younger siblings are now excited about education. Parents in the camp have renewed hope that with support, their children too can dream again.
We often say it only takes one cup to start a ripple. For Samuel, that cup came in the form of schoolbooks and a uniform. For others, it might be counseling, food support, or vocational training.
Closing Thoughts
At A Cup for Humanity, we believe in restoring dignity, one life at a time. Empowering refugees isn’t about charity—it’s about fairness, inclusion, and creating opportunities where there were none.
Samuel’s journey back to school reminds us all that hope can grow in even the hardest places—when someone chooses to care.
If you’d like to be part of this movement, reach out, volunteer, or support our work. Because every child deserves a chance—and together, we can give them one.