On 12th July 2024 

You might have forgotten, let’s recap. 

It all started when you left your home country in 2015, and you found yourself in a refugee camp where there was no life at all. A couple of months later, you were thinking what a useless your life was going to be because: imagine a young boy without even a secondary school education? It’s insane to think you can have a life and be successful especially in the sub saharan africa where even those with masters degrees still struggle to make ends meet. 

To cut the story short, you went to finish your secondary school  in English and you nailed it despite  the fact that you were studying in French back home. 

You went on with your undergrad education after being awarded a scholarship at SNHU-Kepler Kigali program. 

Later on early 2022, you found yourself in the heart of Florence, Italy at a historical university where you came as a trainee in the library of the university. Awesome journey. 

A year in, you found yourself in Belgium as an asylum seeker! Interesting…!!!! 

To the kind attention of a 45 year old Jado:

Dear 45 year old Jado, 

As I am writing this memo, I am in the heart of Belgium, Brussels in Auderghem, rue Edouard Henrard. 

I hope this letter finds you well and successful. And I hope you have been able to achieve your dreams, happy and built a successful family. I hope your friend Bella is still with you and that she is happy with you, otherwise, allow to say I am sorry to ask but ignore it. 

Jado, I remember you had a dream to do a master program in management, finance, asset management. I have no doubts you have been able to achieve this and you are having a successful career. Also, you wanted to have an investment portfolio to build your financial freedom of the future. I am sure this is in place, I have no doubts. 

You had a dream also to create your own corporations so you can use all your financial means in creating impacts in your community and touch the life of those who need you the most. I am glad you had this dream, and I hope you have managed to achieve it. Heaven and earth will be happy that you had this dream and that you have been able to achieve it. 

You always wanted to make an impact in Burundi’s politics, how far with this? 

I am not judging here; it is a difficult task to do but I hope you have been able to find a way to positively contribute in Burundi whether directly or indirectly. 

What about the podcast you’ve started when you were in the asylum reception centre in Belgium? 

I wonder what you think when you look back today! 

You use to have the fear of not being successful in life, the fear of not making it in this foreign country you are now living in? 

Fear that you are not going to be financially successful. 

Fear of failure and a bit shy to approach people. 

I am sure today you look back and say, it would have been an easy job for me if I knew what I know now at 45 when I was 28!

Jado, can you see that those rejections you received were actually nothing, just kept going. 

Looking where you wanted to be and look at you now successful and happy, what would you tell yourself 17 years ago? 

Don’t forget why you started everything. Sometimes when people get successful and have all they wanted, they started changing their paths and follow different things. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad thing. But remember this is good only and only if it is in a right direction to making positive impact. Don’t forget, women might get in your way, I know it motivated you so much and you wanted to impress girls. It’s not a bad thing but keep note of that. 

Jado, I am glad you are here today, with all you have achieved in your life and the impact you’ve been able to make in other people’s life. 

Congratulations!!! 

From 28 year old you! 

Yours Sincerely, 

Jean de Dieu Ndayikeza