Scholars Around the World
Two JKCF Scholars organize a 15-day study tour to Bolivia to explore the country’s political economy, peoples and rural development
Scholar Films
Harun's most recent film, In the Name of the Son, is based on his experiences growing up in wartime Bosnia
Bonheur Buconyori
“My dream is for Burundi and Rwanda to overcome the repercussions of the genocide so that we can build our countries and that our children will have a better life than we did.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Hometown: Chicago, IL
- Four-year College or University: Greenville College
- Graduate School: Stanford University
Biography
PROFILE: Bonheur Buconyori lived a fairly comfortable life in Burundi until the age of ten when the genocide took place. “I never thought genocide would happen in our country. Those were the darkest days of my life, filled with uncertainty, lack of hope and lack of joy.” His father, a pastor, sheltered many refugees in their home, which soon became a refugee camp. During the war, Bonheur lost many family members and saw friends turn against his tribe. His family was forced to take refuge in Kenya. Bonheur completed middle and high school with the help of a sponsor in the US. “Without her help, the rebels in the country could have forced me to become a child solider as many of my classmates did.”
Bonheur moved to the US to attend Greenville College, where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and political science in 2005. He remains committed to helping rebuild his country. “I want to see the development of free-market, privatization, and laissez-faire in Burundi; however, without building a school where future and current leaders can attend to hone their management skills, such a system can take us only so far.”
INSPIRATION: Bonheur was inspired during his internship for the offices of Senators Barack Obama and Dick Durbin. “They taught me what it really means to be a public servant.”
ASPIRATION: Bonheur aspires to establish schools of leadership in Burundi and Rwanda to create effective leaders who will shape their countries’ futures.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Bonheur has volunteered for numerous relief organizations that assist refugees in obtaining educations, jobs, and housing.
ACCOLADES: Bonheur graduated magna cum laude and received the Greenville College Servant Leader Award for outstanding leadership and community service.
INTERESTING FACT: Bonheur worked for the Illinois Governor’s office, where he helped advocate for the All Kids Program to provide free state-wide health care for children.
Other Scholars Like Bonheur
Dong-Jin Kim
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University of Cambridge
Fernando Balderrama
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London School of Economics and Political Science
Erin Palm
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Anisa George
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Naropa University