Happy to Help!

From an interview by Jordan Wright

I’m Angelina! I like enchiladas, math, and the color mint green. My parents are from Burundi, a country in East Africa. I was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania. Now I live in Utah, USA.

A Special Name

I speak English and a language called Kirundi. My last name means “I will always be grateful for what I have.” I’m grateful that many of my relatives live nearby.

Family Fun

During the holidays my family and I go to Grandma’s house for dinner. We eat sambusas (fried dough with rice or meat inside). Then the parents tell stories, my uncle and cousin play drums, and my sister and I dance!

Helping Newcomers

I like helping at Primary too. Some of the kids in my branch speak Kirundi at home, and some speak Swahili. We have Primary in English. When new kids come to Primary who only speak Kirundi, I help by translating for them.

Helping Others

When I grow up, I want to be a nurse. But right now I can help by doing laundry, changing my baby sister’s diaper, and helping my sister Sophie with her homework.

Showing Love to Kids Who are New

If you don’t speak their language, find someone who can translate.
Learn how to say hello. In Kirundi, say “Amakuru.” In Swahili, say “Jambo!”
Invite them to come play with you.