Photos: Refugee family adjusts to a new life in Lowell

(Left to right) Vanisi Uzamukunda and her daughter, Muhawenimana Nyirakabanza, 20, spoke with their caseworker, Richard Appiah at the International Institute of New England in Lowell. The Congolese refugee family arrived in Lowell in early February. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

Sendegeya Bayavuge, (right), a 52-year-old farmer, and six other members of the family had been living at a refugee camp in Uganda for two decades after escaping the violence in The Democratic Republic of Congo.Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

Vanisi Uzamukunda had a cup of porridge at her home in Lowell. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff/Globe Staff

Lea Nyiramahoro, 12, and Maria Uwimana, 17, watched their brother Dusenge Tuyishime, 15, do his schoolwork at their home in Lowell.Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff/Globe Staff

Sarah Bayavuge, 7, had a cup of porridge and bread with her family at their home in Lowell.Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff/Globe Staff

Maria Uwimana, 17, right, walked her sister, Sarah Bayavuge, 7, home from the bus stop after school in Lowell.Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

Vanisi Uzamukunda, center, spoke with her daughters, Lea Nyiramahoro, 12, left, and Sarah Bayavuge, 7, at their home in Lowell. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff/Globe Staff

(Left to right) Sendegeya Bayavuge his wife, Vanisi Uzamukunda and their daughter, Muhawenimana Nyirakabanza, 20, spoke with their caseworker, Richard Appiah. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

Vanisi Uzamukunda cleaned the kitchen at her home in Lowell.Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

(Left to right) Muhawenimana Nyirakabanza, 20, her mother Vanisi Uzamukunda, and siblings Dusenge Tuyishime, 15, and Maria Uwimana, 17, have porridge after school.Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff/Globe Staff

Vanisi Uzamukunda, left, and her husband Sendegeya Bayavuge relaxed on the couch at their home in Lowell. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

Gordon Halm of the African Community Center of Lowell spoke with Sendegeya Bayavuge and his wife Vanisi Uzamukunda after a class at the center in Lowell.Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff/Globe Staff

Vanisi Uzamukunda, right, and her daughter, Muhawenimana Nyirakabanza, 20, left the International Institute of New England after a meeting with their caseworker in Lowell. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff/Globe Staff

Sendegeya Bayavuge, left, and his daughter Maria Uwimana, 17, looked for the school bus while waiting for his other children to arrive at their home in Lowell. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff/Globe Staff