What is a typical day like to be a student at Lakewood Elementary School? This day in the lives of the Muginazera family from Rwanda and their three children enrolled at Lakewood - Garden, Jazpa, and Clear - is not the typical day you would expect. While Garden thrives in freedom and adventure in the playground, her older brother Jazpa practices basic English literacy under the guidance of dedicated volunteers from the literacy program. From the soccer pitch back in the classroom, Clear, the older sister of Garden and Jazpa, expresses her imagination in writing class. But so much of their day also takes place at home. It is the comforting presence of their parents Innocent and Vestine, and the shared moments of love and laughter among siblings that bring the family together. Even though the Muginazeras left behind their home in Rwanda for Durham, Innocent and Vestine held firm in their belief that the move to the United States would ensure a brighter future for their children.
The experience of getting to know the Muginazera family was touching. I appreciated having the opportunity to hear Innocent share his upbringing in Rwanda, particularly how it was shaped by racial and ethnic tensions in the context of the Rwanda Genocide. I learned that despite enduring struggles settling in the United States, Innocent and Vestine worked hard to make sure that every child is cared for. Working on this project has allowed me to exchange perspectives with people coming from a different cultural background. The family serves as a reminder for me that, sometimes, happiness resides in genuine relationships and shared laughter among the loved ones in your family.
