Rwandan Inspiration

by Matt Metzemaekers ( Guest Writer)


On 3/25, a man from Rwanda came to tell us about his life growing up in Africa. His name was Justin Mazimpaka, which means " finish trouble." He told us about the three tribes in Rwanda: the Tutsi, the Hutu and the Twa.

The Tutsi and the Hutu have a checkered past, though, full of genocide, hate and hiding. What happened was that the Hutu attached the Tutsi in a massive genocide.

Justin's family thought they were safe because they were living in the Congo. (Or Zaire, as it was known at the time.) Until, one night, where the Hutu knocked on Justin's door. They had to escape using a small window. Good thing they were Tutsi tribe, or they never would've fit through.


They just kept running until they got split up. Justin had to hide under dead bodies just so he wouldn't get caught.  He eventually had to hide in a mango tree. His life was in the balance because of a monkey. If the monkey made noise, he was dead!


Justin ended up working for the UN. Unfortunately, the people of Rwanda did not want the aid of the UN. And they hated Justin. Fortunately, Joe Landers, a UN worker, took in Justin. But Justin had to get a visa before going to America. After three tries, he got his visa and made it to America. He is now an American citizen.


This story is very heart warming, yet sad at the same time. I could never had made it through that experience!