This is Olivier. He used to be called Sugabo Karekezi but the orphanage he grew up in gave him a new name, Olivier Niyitegeka.

He was found under a bed on an abandoned farm with some money around him, the only member of his family who survived. He was five months old.

They sent him to the oldest orphanage in Rwanda with 700 orphans - each one of them a consequence of the genocide and the civil war that took place in Rwanda.

In 2014 he was given a lifeline in a form of a generous sponsor who offered to bring him to New Zealand as an international student. The sponsor had tried to adopt him but it was impossible with New Zealand laws at the time. They spent three years arranging this process as the political system in Rwanda makes it very hard for orphans to leave.

Olivier believed that all his problems were answered and he spent two years experiencing a new life in New Zealand where he felt a sense of belonging through meeting many friends at his school, Mount Albert Grammar and through the love and care of his sponsor. Olivier dreams of gaining further education and more skills and knowledge to be able to help others.

Olivier's hopes, however, were dashed when his sponsor could no longer pay the cost of his tuition and accommodation here in New Zealand.

Olivier has made so many friends in New Zealand. His personality shines through, and people are drawn to his bubbly sense of humour, kind heartedness and optimism.

We really want Olivier to be able to continue his education in New Zealand.

As an international student he will require approximately $30,000 for his course fees and living expenses in 2017.

Whether you are a friend, a friend of a friend or someone who believes in this cause like myself and all of my school mates, please could you help us to help Olivier have this chance of the Kiwi life we all take for granted.

The money raised will go towards his tuition, accommodation and living expenses. The money and his finances will be carefully managed by a third party.

This is the message from Olivier: I greatly appreciate the time you have taken to read my life and any form of donation you may give. This means so much to me to be living in a peaceful and beautiful environment where hard work brings success and I am determined to do my best to pursue my dreams and give back to my community and everyone I consider to be my family.

We thank you so much for your support. Every little bit that you give can help make a difference.