Breakthrough Kent Denver Newsletter

As we embark upon our 25th summer, we would like to extend an enormous THANK YOU to all of our incredible donors for contributing to another year of making Breakthroughs! Without the support of our donors and volunteers, we would not be able to train the next generation of teachers or create equitable education for so many students.

To see more of our impact, follow this link or fill out the google form below to sign up to visit or volunteer this summer!

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Dina Nkurunziza was six years old when her family moved to Denver. Unable to finish high school because of political issues in Congo, her father moved to Tanzania where he met his future wife in a refugee camp. Ten years later Dina and her family found themselves in Denver, Colorado as newcomers in a new home.

Dina had a particularly difficult time when she arrived because she felt different and alone. "I didn't speak English, I acted different and I even looked different from everyone," Dina recalls. "My hair cut was really short, like almost bald, which was normal in Tanzania but the kids in Denver made fun of me because I looked so different from other girls. They called me a boy and bullied me all the time." Her challenges continued until sixth grade when she learned about Breakthrough at an all-school assembly at her school. She was accepted into the program and was quickly celebrated for who she was. At Breakthrough, she found her voice and learned how to be proud and confident.

As she continued through high school, Dina discovered a scholarship opportunity and decided to apply. In the interview process she was asked how she has helped her community. Since arriving, Dina and her family have participated in assisting new East African families when they move to Colorado for the first time. "We help introduce them to stores, show them different aspects of their community and help them feel welcome to their new home," Dina says, "and it's important for us to do this because when you’re new, you need something to help you feel welcome. For me, that was Breakthrough. And because I know how important community is, we try to help these new families feel that same acceptance."

Earlier this year, Dina received the news that she will be the only Daniel's Scholarship recipient at South High School. She will be attending CU Boulder in the Fall where she will receive a full-ride! "This summer I'm going to be a Teaching Fellow at Breakthrough for the first time and I'm looking forward to teaching writing to our middle school students this summer. But more than anything, I can't wait for them to see how amazing this community can be."

Email: breakthroughdenver@gmail.com
Website: www.breakthroughdenver.org
Location: 4000 West Quincy Avenue, Englewood, CO, United States
Phone: 720-225-8897
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakthrough.denver
Twitter: @breakthroughKD