Interview

Ben comes from a family of eight. He is married with three children of his own. His family came from the Bunia area (approx: 50km north or Beni). He worked at Nyakunde hospital near Bunia as a greenhouse administrator for a German project that grew vegetables. In 2002 the area became increasingly unstable. Ethnic conflict broke out between tribes and warring militias. Step by step, the conflict took over the whole area. In the beginning of September 2002, these fighters came and completely destroyed the hospital, killing many. “We had the grace of being saved,” stated Ben.

Ben and his family were displaced and settled in Beni. He lost a brother and a sister in the war; each of them had a child. Ben has taken in both these children as his own. The Nyakunde hospital, those left from the original administration and staff, relocated to Beni as well. There, Ben continued to work.

(Note: This is one of many stories of the destruction at Nyakunde Hospital in September 2002. A number of the students were displaced as a result of war in that area. The horrors that occurred are not described in detail here. I’ve met a number of friends that witnessed the senseless killing and destruction of the hospital. Some lost loved ones. These same people have joined in a reconciliation and reconstruction effort of the hospital and region.)

One day, he saw an advertisement for UCBC. It has been his prayer to work in computer science. UCBC provides that opportunity. He further explained, “The philosophy of UCBC will be able to transform me into the person I want to be.” With this blessing, comes also a social problem. His wife is studying healthcare at the hospital. His daughter has begun primary school. And, they need to take care of the 3 other young children. With this background, it is difficult to support my studies. We can only lean on God.

Ben closed with this request, “I need my brother’s prayers to support me as I take on the responsibilities of a student and a father.”