THE STORY OF IGRAO’S FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: MY LIFE WAS A STRUGGLE, BUT MY STORY BECAME A MISSION.

Have you ever met someone who spent 14 years completing Primary One to Primary Seven (P1–P7), not because they lacked intelligence, but because they lacked the scholastic materials needed to continue their education?

That person is me.

My name is Shalom Bizimana, a Congolese refugee who has spent most of his life in displacement. I know the pain of poverty, hunger, and poor access to healthcare. I know what it means to have a dream of education but lack the basic materials needed to achieve it.

I spent 14 years completing primary school because of the challenges I faced in accessing scholastic materials. My journey was difficult, but it taught me something important: behind every struggling child, there is a story that deserves to be heard.

“My journey was difficult, but it taught me something important: behind every struggling child, there is a story that deserves to be heard.”

Turning Struggles Into Action Through IGRAO

In Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, Uganda, many children and families continue to face challenges related to poverty, education, food insecurity, and limited opportunities.

But I did not want my story to end with my struggles.

Together with members of our community, we started IROD Global Refugees Actions Organization (IGRAO) to help address these challenges and create better opportunities for vulnerable families.

Through IGRAO, we want to help children access education, support families to improve their livelihoods, develop practical skills, and build a future where poverty does not prevent children from reaching their potential.

We believe that when families have better livelihood opportunities, children have a stronger chance of staying in school. We want to turn our painful experiences into meaningful action and lasting change.

Let Me Ask You a Question

Have you ever met someone who took 14 years to complete seven years of primary education because of poverty and a lack of scholastic materials?

I am that person. And today, I want to share my story and speak about the realities of life in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement.

Contact me if you would like to hear my full story, learn about our community’s work through IGRAO, or explore how we can work together to support vulnerable children and families.

My past explains my mission. Our community gives that mission hope.

IGRAO , Building Resilience Through Education and Opportunity.