Accepting the Challenge!

Accepting the Challenge is a true story about the resettlement of two Burundi families in Nashua, NH. Ciza, Mathias and Simon came to America as high school freshmen after spending their entire lives living in a refugee camp in Africa. With hardly any English language skills or understanding of American culture, they set out to reach their ultimate goal, a college education. This amazing story is not only about survival in a strange and sometimes harsh world, but also how these three young men have continued to thrive in all areas of their lives, connecting with the community and even forming that has become as strong as family itself with one local teacher.

Scott Jaquith is a Nashua, NH Native. He has been teaching in the Nashua School District for 11 years and has become very passionate about working with English Language Learners in a variety of roles. In addition, Scott has also had the opportunity himself to travel and experience other cultures around the world. In 2007, Scott was introduced to two Burundi families who were resettled in Nashua after spending most of their lives in African refugee camps. Immediately, a bond was formed between Scott and these families. They continue to remain connected four years later.