Jean Claude and his family have travelled far from Africa to live hear in Australia. The roots of his family are from the small nation Burundi, but Jean Claude’s parents spent 14 years in Tanzania, waiting for a chance to leave the danger errupting in East Africa in the mid 90′s. In the 1970′s over 300,000 Burundians are reported to have fled to Tanzania, and then another 400,000 in 1993. There is currently around 7% of Burundi’s population living in Tanzania. While in a refugee camp in Tanzania, Jean Claude and his siblings were born, so they are closely tied with both nations. Tanzania is a common tourist destination for travellers and offers Safari tours that amaze, but life in the Tanzanian refugee camps is limited. Jean Claude’s family were never allowed to move more than 4km from the camp. Kirundi is the main language spoken at home by his family, and they remain integrated in the Burundian community here in Australia.

Jean Claude is currently in Year 6 in a Dandenong primary school. He is a very active boy and loves joining in sports, especially soccer. We have noticed a considerable improvement in his English since we have known him and are always happy to drop into his house and see his brothers and sister. Jean Claude’s younger sister Jeanette and younger brother Alkardi are now involved in regular tutoring through DFM. We are happy our relationship with Jean Claude has led us to other children in the City of Greater Dandenong that we can assist in life.