Breaking Study Barriers Through Educational Support: The Inspiring Journey of Jean de Dieu and His Family

In a quiet village of Muhanga District, the story of Mucyo Jean de Dieu, a Senior 4 student, stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Born into a family that struggled with extreme poverty, Jean de Dieu's dreams of a better future once seemed out of reach. However, through the Education Sponsorship Program (ESP) implemented by CARSA, in partnership with Compelled By Love, that narrative has changed dramatically, not just for him, but for his entire family.

Jean de Dieu is one of many children from disadvantaged backgrounds who have received life-changing support through this program. His parents, Habyarimana Eugene and Nyiranzayubu Berancile, were once burdened by the overwhelming costs of education; now they see a brighter future thanks to the comprehensive assistance provided. The education support doesn't stop at school fees, it includes uniforms, shoes, notebooks, pens, hygiene items, and every other educational necessity.

But the story didn’t end with Jean de Dieu. His sister, Adeline Nirere, also received support through ESP, which enabled her to complete secondary school with flying colors. Today, she studies at Rwanda Polytechnic on a scholarship, continuing to benefit from the program with access to food, internships, a laptop, and the essential tools for a varsity student.

The support given to Jean de Dieu and Adeline has become a strong foundation for the family’s growth. For Eugene and Berancile, the weight of educational expenses once meant making heartbreaking decisions, like selling livestock or farmland to pay for school fees. These sacrifices not only impacted their children’s education but also perpetuated the cycle of poverty by depriving the family of food and income sources.

Eugene recalls, “My resources were very limited because I had four children to support in school. We were constantly worried. Sometimes I had to divide school fees among them or sell the little we had just to get some of the school requirements.”

Since CARSA's intervention, the impact has extended to the entire family. With two of their six children fully supported, Eugene and Berancile could redirect their limited resources toward the other children.

"Now, all my children are studying. I can afford their clothes, and we eat better. We used to barely eat ¼ of a kilo of cassava flour, now we eat in full, one kilo, and we are satisfied," Eugene said with relief.

 Jean de Dieu describes CARSA as a second mother, one who has given him security, motivation, and purpose. Meanwhile, his performance in school has been excelled and stabilized, and his confidence has increased. “Before CARSA intervention, studying was a struggle. I didn’t have books, proper clothes, or even enough food. Rain or sun could keep me from going to school. Now, I have everything I need to learn and grow,” he shares.

His mother, Berancile, has noticed the change. “Before CARSA, Jean de Dieu was often discouraged and unhealthy. Now, he’s thriving—his grades keep improving. We owe it all to CARSA.”

Jean de Dieu’s dreams, once dimmed by poverty, now burn bright. “I’ve always dreamed of becoming a great lawyer in Rwanda,” he says. “There was a time I thought I’d lose that dream due to poor health and poverty, but CARSA revived it. Now, I’m 100% sure it’s possible.”

Jean de Dieu expressed his deep appreciation for the unwavering support he has received. "CARSA is like a mother to me, giving me love, confidence, and everything I need to achieve my dreams. I pray to God for their many blessings," he added with gratitude,

The story of Jean de Dieu and his family is a testament to the power of educational support and its ripple effects on entire communities. CARSA’s work, in partnership with Compelled By Love, is not just transforming students; it’s rebuilding lives, uplifts families, and reshaping futures. For families like Eugene’s, hope is no longer a distant dream; it’s a living, thriving reality.

Jean de Dieu stands along wth his parents(father and mother)

Jean de Dieu’s potrait photo

Adeline is receiving the home essentials for use during her internship period.