Patrick started doing business at the age of
10 in order to support his family. "It was the
desire to live a better life that kept me focused and moving," said Patrick, "most
people I started with were left behind and
they still live the same life we all had back
then."
Growing up in Rulindo district, Cyungo
sector, he did not have economic advantages like other kids. He was partly
raised by his mother, and partly by his aunt
who later fell short financially due to a
malady. In third grade, he decided to drop
out of school so he could start providing for
the family. He was 8 years old.
He took music lessons from a friend
and began making a living by playing
the Iningiri in streets- a musical
instrument. After a series of splendid
performances, a kind man offered to
take care of him. "At first, living with
this man's family was great, but as time
passed, life got worse. He would get
drunk and beat us like objects. I knew
this life wasn't for me," said Patrick.
Three months later, he was back home
to the same routine. He moved to Kigali with friends two years later. Playing
the Iningiri in Kigali earned him
enough money to support his family
back in the village. In 2004, he joined a
traditional dance group for street
children. He was a lead singer in the
group. The group gained fame and performed at government ceremonies. But
it was the Children's Day of 2004
marked a turning point in Patrick's life.
On this day, Paul Kagame was the guest
of honour in the glorious event held at
State House. He showcased a stellar
lifetime performance. Immediately
after, the president invited him for
lunch.
Are you in school?" asked the president.
And after explaining his predicaments,
the president replied, "You have great
talent and with an education you will do
extraordinary things," explained the
president. He was then offered a government full scholarship and returned
to school the following year.
I am at ALU because I want
to change my life, the life of
my family, and the
community
It wasn't easy for Patrick to start over
again considering he was older, but his
desire for a better life kept him focused.
Along the way, he made great
achievements including ranking 2nd in
Rwanda for ordinary level national examinations.
A moment after receiving a call from ALU,
he sat down and reflected on all the
misery he went through. "It's over!" he
exclaimed. It was ,and still is, a baffling
twist in Patrick's life to be at ALU; he
sometimes thinks it could all well be a
dream.
"I scratched myself on the plane, I still
do." "I am at ALU because I want to
change my life, the life of my family, and
the community," said Patrick. "I want to
start a centre that will help children and
youth living in poor conditions. It would
provide education and develop talent.
Exposing one's talent is the best gift you
can give to anyone. If my talent hadn't
been exposed, I wouldn't have been here."
"I believe challenges are the ones that
make life interesting, but overcoming
them is what makes life meaningful."
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