‘Every challenge is an opportunity’: Bruno’s Story
Bruno was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2010, he was forced to flee with his family to Kakuma Refugee Camp. Growing up in the camp, he says he faced constant challenges, but was determined not to let them define him. His personal philosophy is simple but powerful: “Every challenge is an opportunity to make an impact.”
“Despite the hardships, I made up my mind to change my story.”
This belief is what led him to Amala. His education had been interrupted by war and Amala gave him a second chance. “My first problem in Kakuma was getting a high school diploma. Amala helped me return to my values, and build my English competency and ability to chat with different people. It was a big stepping stone.”
“Conventional schools were all about memorisation,” he says. “At Amala, we learned critical thinking, collaboration, and how to solve real-world problems. We learned about the Sustainable Development Goals and how to tackle challenges. It gave me the tools and mindset to take action,” and “the facilitators helped me in a very big way that I cannot explain. I’m blessed. Amala was a blessing that came to my doorstep.”
Bruno shared that he felt that he had little knowledge and experience before the turning point when he found Amala. Amala helped Bruno shape his skills and connect with likeminded people with the same positive attitude. He explains how, as well as confidence and courage, something invaluable he found at Amala was community. “Being a student at Amala was about being a support system for one another. Everyone is going through similar things.”
Bruno was part of the second cohort of Amala’s Diploma Programme in Kakuma to graduate, and still feels like a part of the community, keeping in touch with many of his classmates. His time at Amala, he says, was unlike any previous education he had experienced. “At Amala I began to see myself as the full package of a changemaker.”
“Amala is more than a school. What we get there is more powerful. It’s really a big movement that moves you from one place to another. It’s more than just books and education. It’s a place of empowerment.”
Bruno with Amala Co-founder and Co-executive Director Polly
Telling stories through film
While at Amala, Bruno began exploring filmmaking, and found his passion.
“I chose film because it’s a way to tell stories that inspire, inform, and create impact,” he says. “Filmmaking is a powerful way to amplify voices that are often unheard.” Wanting to “document and show the world that there is a diploma programme in Kakuma,” as well as to show his gratitude to Amala, Bruno filmed and edited two videos which reflected on his journey through the Diploma Programme, and told the story of his classmate, Barnaba.
But film isn’t the only creative medium that Bruno found could tell impactful stories:
“Music is the most powerful tool we can use to inform and maybe transform the world,” he says. With this in mind, he started a music group and found a way to access music equipment. “There’s a lot of talent in Kakuma, so I tried to give other people access to go to the studio and record as much as I could too.”
Though that initiative had to be paused due to lack of funding, Bruno hopes to return to it and hopes to one day combine filmmaking and music. He’s currently working on a project proposal to raise money for studio equipment and support music talent in Kakuma.
This is a video that Bruno created whilst studying at Amala.
New chapter and new challenges
In 2024, Bruno was resettled to Fargo, North Dakota. When asked how he found it, he smiles, “My impression was this is unbelievable. Like, am I the one in the USA or is this a dream?”
Since arriving in the USA, Bruno has been working two jobs and attending English classes to better understand the culture. “A new country is stressful,” he admits, as so many things are unfamiliar, the food, the weather, the culture, the language.“ You only hear English, not your language. They have their own accent and speak fast. It’s really challenging.” On top of that, “being new in the USA is difficult. You move to a new community where you don’t know anyone. Your friends and family are away. You start from scratch.” Bruno also described the shock that comes from moving from a community-oriented culture, to an individualistic culture, where everyone keeps to themselves more.
Nevertheless, Bruno has remained undeterred by these challenges. “I love and enjoy being here, because you can't compare this place and Kakuma. I am so grateful for the opportunity”. He’s built his confidence, continuing to attend English classes and practice. “Now I feel I have the confidence to interact with others.” And one day, Bruno hopes to bring his family to live with him in the USA.
Experiencing these challenges has also inspired Bruno to give back in any way he can, and having gone through and educated himself on the resettlement process means that he can make others’ experience easier. “Everywhere I go, I interact with people, ask questions, educate others on where things are cheap, and share opportunities…everyone deserves privacy and to live a comfortable life,” he says.
Looking forward
Bruno at work, in the USA
Bruno wants to continue helping refugees newly resettled in the USA. “Many refugees don’t know what a credit score is, or that you have to repay the resettlement loan.” He explains that it’s a loan with no interest, and the money goes back to help others be resettled. But some people ignore the repayment and it damages their credit score, which makes it hard to rent or get a loan, and also affects others’ possibility of being resettled. Additionally, language and cultural barriers and a lack of familiarity with the system can make newly resettled refugees vulnerable to scams. So to help educate people about these common pitfalls, accessing opportunities, staying informed about scams and building credit, and navigating their new life as they settle into it, Bruno hopes to start a podcast featuring people with lived experience and knowledge of American systems.
He leaves us with one last message, one he carries with him every day:
“Never underestimate the power of resilience and education. No matter where you come from, you have the power to change your life and uplift others. Keep learning, keep growing, and always strive to be the change you want to see—because everything is possible. And never give up.”
Bruno spoke with Amala volunteer, Sophia.
Read more stories of Amala alumni and students on our blog.