A cattle-keeping family for generations, Fred’s parents, Clever and Faith, returned to their home country, Rwanda, in 1996 following the end of the genocide. They then moved to Tanzania in 2000 after hearing that conditions there were excellent for their cattle. During this time, Fred lived with an aunt in Rwanda, though his parents funded his education. Tanzania proved perfect for cattle keeping; however, Rwandans were unwelcome. In 2006, the government told all Rwandans to return to Rwanda with whatever they could carry on their backs.

Clever and Faith settled in a refugee camp in the drought-plagued community of Kageyo, stripped of their valuables, livelihood, and dignity. Fred rejoined his parents, shocked to find his 10 family members living in one tent. Fred’s parents had to use all their resources to feed their children, leaving no money for school fees. Being forced to leave school devastated Fred, who loved learning.

In 2008, Africa New Life began working in Fred’s community of Kageyo. Clever visited the sponsorship office the following year and pleaded with staff to register Fred for sponsorship. Fred recalls crying as he waited for news. “I was registered that day in 2009, but it’s tough for older students to get sponsors.”

Finally, in 2010, when Fred was 15, the Dorway family chose to sponsor him. “They called me and told me I had a sponsor. I thought I was dreaming and didn’t know if it was real. I was so excited! It was like the beginning of seeing my dream come true and having another hope of a future. It was such a great moment.”

After his sponsorship dream came true, Fred was free to dream further. “I started to dream of becoming a doctor when they first took my photo. When they register you, they ask, ‘What is your dream?’ I was thinking… what am I going to do? I knew I would be able to study hard if I got a sponsor, and I told them I wanted to become a doctor.”

Being sponsored lifted the burdens of school fees and scholastic materials and helped the family overcome food scarcity. Fred was able to focus on his studies. His journey was not without obstacles, but his determination never wavered, culminating in his graduation from the University of Rwanda in 2023, to the immense pride for his family and community. Kageyo celebrated their first-ever medical school graduate with a community party at their New Life Bible Church.

“When I wore my gown to the party, I told my mom, ‘Wow, I made it, I’m a medical doctor.’ I see God’s work; I see it in my family and my life through my studies and education.”

Fred’s goals extend beyond personal success. “In the next 5-10 years, I want to become Rwanda’s second cardiothoracic surgeon. With God’s help and mercy, I want to build a clinic that provides care to those who do not have money for treatment. My other name is Sebashoka, and I will call it Seba Heart Center.”

As Fred pursues his dreams, he remains grateful for Africa New Life’s role in his journey and seeks to pay it forward. “Pastor Charles and others built Africa New Life so vulnerable children like me living in the village could have a dream. Without that, I couldn’t have hoped to become a medical doctor. I plan on sponsoring a student with Africa New Life and will sponsor an older child like I was.”

Meanwhile, Fred is building a barn behind his parents’ home to hold the cattle he plans to purchase for his father, Clever. Fred aims to rebuild the dignity stolen from his father years ago, a beautiful act of redemption made possible through years of Africa New Life’s partnership and God’s goodness.