Esther Mlebinge

Headshot of Ester Miebinge

At the age of twenty, Esther experienced the loss of her brother due to conflict in her homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Seeking refuge, she spent 17 years in a Tanzanian refugee camp. According to Esther’s account, life there proved to be extremely challenging with limited opportunities to earn money and secure sufficient food for her family. In 2013, Read More »



Helping Hands and a Heart of Gold

Beatrice holding a toddler

Meet Beatrice Nyiramutuzo from Congo Words cannot adequately express our admiration for Beatrice. With a captivating smile that lights up any room, she embodies kindness, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to her family. Boise is truly fortunate to have her presence. Upon arriving in the Treasure Valley in 2011 with her three children—an eight-year-old son, a four-year-old son, and a six-month-old Read More »



Reflections on life and owning a childcare business during the pandemic

Headshot of Laylo Hamud

We had a chance to sit down with the dynamic, energetic Laylo Hamud from Somalia. It’s always a pleasure to hear her perspective on life, owning a business and keeping family close. Being a business owner during the pandemic In 2009, Laylo arrived in Boise from Kenya, where she’d been living in a refugee camp for 18 years. She started Read More »



Overcoming Challenges and Keeping Family First

Mulisa Teta reading to 3 children

Meet Mulisa from DRC Everything single-mom Mulisa does, she does for her family. She’s a devoted mother of four boys; her youngest is 16 and the oldest is 24. “I love raising boys,” she said. “My family is everything to me.” Mulisa, who is from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), came to Idaho in 2014. “We feel safer here,” Read More »



Building a Strong Family and Childcare Business

Etando Kasomo smiles with children

Meet Etando Etando has a smile that lights up a room. She has a big personality and an even bigger heart. Her enthusiasm and sparkling personality come in handy as she raises her own six children and cares for the kids in her childcare business. Etando and her husband have five girls and one boy. Her oldest is 19 and Read More »



Getting a fresh start in Idaho

Solange Mathias hugs a child

Meet Solange Solange has an inspiring story. Years ago, Solange lost her whole family during the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite being a young girl, small in size, she learned how to survive on her own through perseverance and her own personal strength. Over time, Solange made her way to the Gem State from DRC via Read More »



Caring for Children Wherever She is

Headshot Angel

Angel is a joy to be around. She has a friendly personality and a beautiful smile. She is always taking care of others, especially children. Angel has been through a lot in her life, and through it all she has proven she is a survivor and a blessing to all those around her. Enjoying life in Boise Angel, a single Read More »



Meet Laylo from Somalia

Laylo holding two infants

Laylo was born in Somalia but grew up in Kenya. She came to Idaho in 2009 and loves it here. “Boise feels like a second home,” she says. “People are so helpful and welcoming, and we’ve made lots of friends.” Laylo experienced many ups and downs before coming to the United States, having spent 18 years in refugee camps. But Read More »



Meet Scholastique from Democratic Republic of Congo

Scholastique holding two infants

Scholastique enrolled in EO’s Childcare Business Development Project because she loves kids and wanted to help support her family. She now runs a successful, licensed, in-home child care. She is proud to be a U.S. citizen and a business owner. “I am busy all the time taking care of two babies and four other young children,” she says. “I never Read More »