My story of Courage


by Claude Mutuyimana


Claude Mutuyimana, 20, is originally from Rwanda. He came to Scotland at the age of 13 with his twin brother and big sister, and got Indefinite Leave to Remain in 2007.


Claude and his siblings had been staying in Zimbabwe for over two years in a refugee camp, while their father, who had fled first, arranged for them to come and join him in the UK.


There was violence in the camp – but fun, too, and he made friends with people from all over Africa.


When his Dad came to bring him to the UK, Claude’s challenges didn’t end. After getting used to the cold, he also had to face misunderstanding from Scots in his new home. He now lives with his brother in their own flat in the north of Glasgow, and works at JD Sports.


‘Getting a house on my own with my brother, getting a job, and growing up quickly has taken courage for me. We had to become independent and extra clever to survive.


‘Going through what I have, in Zimbabwe and in Scotland, is not something many other teenagers have experienced. Some of my friends here have come through similar situations – and you need a lot of courage for that.


‘When it comes down to it, there’s no difference between a refugee and anyone else. We’re all the same.’


Claude (pictured centre with fellow performers Fatoun and Vanessa) will be appearing during Refugee Week as part of Ignite Theatre in Glasgow and Stirling. See pages 10 and 36 for more details.


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