2020-05-18 Francoise Mulikuza
Charlene Way
From:Francoise Mulikuza <francoisemulikuza2019@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May 18, 2020 12:07 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Support for Elisabeth Songe Frazier Council Review May 19
Dear City Council,
My name is Francoise Mulikuza and I want to show support for Elisabeth Songe, a friend and professional
partner. Elisabeth told me she lost her childcare permit because her neighbor was mistaken thinking
Elisabeth broke the rules.
I have had similar experience as Elisabeth. I came to Boise as a refugee after escaping war, I have a
small childcare based out of my home, and I am a proud resident and homeowner in Meridian. We both
worked so hard to get licensed and trained and start our childcares, and to become good
Americans. Even with just a few clients, neither of us would be able to afford our homes. We do not have
a lot of traditional education or English (I am writing this with an interpreter's help), so it would be very
hard for us to find decent-paying jobs outside the home. We do NOT want to depend on public assistance
or lose our homes.
Elisabeth wants to give back to the community that has helped her become self-sufficient. She is a good
person and hard working. It is upsetting to me that a simple misunderstanding by her neighbor, without
him even saying anything to Elisabeth or her family, is causing this mess and she may lose her whole
livelihood.
Elisabeth's childcare has allowed parents to work and not depend on public assistance, and her business
contributes much to Meridian. Because this problem is caused by a mistake, not Elisabeth, and she and
her family are responsible members of our community, you should not allow her business and self-
sufficiency to be taken from her.
Thank you very much for your time.
Francoise Mulikuza
4316 East Tahiti St, Meridian
(208)982-4426
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