Stand With Refugees: #1 Bestselling Author and Engineers4Humanity Founder Eric Kamanzi Shares His Powerful Story of Survival and Hope at World Refugee Day 2025 in Dallas

The atmosphere was both electric and intimate at the Islamic Association of North Texas (IANT) in Richardson, Texas, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, as dignitaries, refugee advocates, community leaders, and members of the public came together to commemorate World Refugee Day in Dallas.

The event featured vibrant cultural displays, music, food, games, job fairs, and health screenings. Among the voices that stood out was that of Eric Kamanzi; a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, civil engineer, philanthropist, and #1 bestselling author of Breaking Boundaries.

He used the platform to share his powerful story and inspire others. Ghazwan Abdullah, Coordinator of International World Refugee day 2025 in Dallas and Program Director at Mosaic, warmly welcomed attendees and introduced the public officials present, setting an inclusive and engaging tone for the day.

Kamanzi’s presence was both deeply personal and powerfully symbolic. Representing millions of displaced people and refugees in USA and beyond, he not only addressed the audience at his booth but had also delivered compelling speech days earlier on Tuesday, June 17, at the Dallas County Commissioners Court, during the 2025 World Refugee Day Resolution session.

Stand with the Refugees; Kamanzi’s Story of Pain and Purpose

I was born a cross-border baby between Rwanda and Congo due to artificial boundarie under colonization; a place without a name on most maps, yet etched deeply into my soul, began Kamanzi, standing before county officials and attendees in Dallas. «It was there I first heard my father’s sewing machine; its steady sound stitching dignity into our days. »

Kamanzi shared his painful journey from the innocence of a quiet village to the chaos of violence. At age nine, he and his family fled their home following the outbreak of ethnically motivated violence. He was separated from his father for nearly a year, surviving with only hope in his pocket. Their reunion was brief, since on December 10, 1997, at 11:00 p.m., gunfire struck their refugee camp.

«My mother was wounded. My father; shot and killed before my eyes. I was ten. That night, I buried something deeper than innocence. »

For 25 years, Kamanzi lived in refugee camps with no electricity, clean water, or proper sanitation,Hunger was his companion. However, from adversity came ambition. He taught himself physics by candlelight, dreaming of a better future even when the world around him gave up.

 “I discovered how broken people are still built,” he said. “And today, I stand before you as a civil engineer working on aviation projects, a proud father, and founder of Engineers4Humanity; an organization helping others like my young self to step up and step out of the darkness.”

From Tragedy to Triumph: The International #1 Bestselling Author;  

Kamanzi’s memoir, Breaking Boundaries: A Resilient Refugee’s Journey from Refugee Camps to Engineer of Change, encapsulates the emotional and physical hurdles he overcame. At the World Refugee Day event, he signed copies and personally connected with attendees, including fellow refugees , American community and local administration.

“I didn’t write Breaking Boundaries to talk about how far I’ve come,” he told Afrovera.com in an exclusive interview. “I wrote it to show others how far they can go; even from the most unimaginable starting points.”

His story also includes love and family. He met his wife Gentille in a refugee camp. Today, they are proud parents of four, raising their children in a home built on resilience, faith, and service to others.

A Call to Action for Leaders and Communities

During his speech before the Dallas County Commissioners Court, Kamanzi issued a clear challenge:

“To every immigrant in this country; you are the bridge between those suffering in silence today and the world that can help them. Use your voice. Use your platform.”

To global policymakers, he urged action beyond resettlement.

“We must promote sustainable global peace. A stable homeland is the best long-term solution.”

Moreover, to the American public:

“Refugees are not a burden. We are builders, leaders, and contributors to the American Development.”  Kamanzi reminded the audience that immigrants have won Nobel Prizes, created hundred of  jobs, and elevated US. culture through diversity. “ I’m not here because I was exceptional, I am here because I was believed in. Because someone chose to see possibility rather than pity. And somewhere today, another child waits not just for safety, or pity, but for opportunity. Let’s give it to them”

Gratitude and New Beginnings

In the spirit of appreciation, Engineers4Humanity presented a token of gratitude to Dallas County and Madame Linda, recognizing their commitment to refugee dignity and self-reliance.

Eric recognized and valued the important role that resettlement agencies play in supporting refugees. These organizations not only advocate for their needs but also facilitate smoother integration into American communities. Among these agencies, we can highlight several that have made significant contributions.

• Mosaic Family Services
• Catholic Charities Dallas
• International Rescue Committee
• Church World Service , and many others.

Engineers4Humanity, a refugee-founded organization, has also launched a new initiative to foster a culture of appreciation, recognizing government officials, civil society organizations, and the private sector for their efforts in empowering refugees to reach their full potential. This annual initiative is designed to honor the dedicated individuals who support refugees, as well as to recognize refugees who showcase innovative ideas and exceptional performance in their careers.

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Learn more about Engineers4Humanity, explore partnerships, or reach out directly:

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Photo Credit: Sine Noel

Writen By Gasigwa JC Mackenzie