Prudence’s Story: How a Refugee and Humanitarian Found Life-Saving Support in the U.S. 

A father of four, Prudence has dedicated his life to working for human rights and against government corruption. After fleeing his native Burundi for Sudan, he started a foundation to advocate for children and worked with several international development agencies to support refugees.  

When a regime change led him to believe it was safe, Prudence returned to Burundi determined to help make life better there. He launched initiatives to empower people living in the country’s difficult-to-reach rural communities by giving them access to digital payment systems and digital media. Unfortunately, these advances caught the attention of those who wished to misuse them. When the president of Burundi decided to run for a third term—which was not allowed under the nation’s constitution—he asked Prudence to spread the false message that he had widespread support. Prudence refused. This led him to become the target of political persecution. New threats against his life kept his family on the move, first to the U.K. and then to Rwanda.  

To make matters worse, Prudence’s son Joshua had been born with a dangerous heart condition, and he urgently needed a complicated surgery. Getting this care as a refugee would not be easy, but Prudence found hope when he learned it could be achieved at Boston Children’s Hospital.  

It became clear to Prudence that his son’s health and his family’s safety hinged on finding welcome and support in Massachusetts. A remarkable relationship with sponsor Steve Gross of the Life is Good Foundation, and with the International Institute of New England, made this dream a reality.  

Watch their story below: 

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Refugees and immigrants make long, difficult journeys to escape violence and rebuild their lives in the U.S. You can give them the help they need.