Jackson Nahayo

Jackson Nahayo was born in a remote village in the Cibitoke province of Burundi in about 1987. During the 1993 Burundian rebellion six year old Jackson’s village was attacked by heavily armed militants, and the village people were scattered. Finding himself alone, and believing his family had all been slaughtered, Jackson started an amazing journey of several years ending up in Zambia.

At about 12 years old, Jackson was adopted by Canadian missionaries and taken to Canada where he was educated, with the desire to became an Aircraft Engineer. A few years later he discovered that his entire family had survived and was living in their village under the belief that he was dead. Upon visiting his family, Jackson was greatly affected, and dedicated his life to rebuilding and restoring peace. Returning to Canada, he changed his career choice to train as a doctor. Jackson spent his vacations working on oil rigs etc to raise funds with which he purchased land back in Burundi. Once he graduated, Jackson permanently relocated to Cibitoke, where he has built a hospital (Ubuntu Clinique), established a school, and embarked on sustainable agricultural enterprises to help his community. Jackson is a living testimony of hope in adversity and how one person with a vision can change the future of a community. Jackson’s story is written in a book “Nahayo- they left me for dead” available online with all proceeds going to the Ubuntu Clinique.