Grace

Grace is married to a second husband who is now in prison. They had together 4 children. Unfortunately, 2 of them died during the 1994 genocide. Four of her five siblings died as well. Because of all those losses, Grace was always sad, lonely and crying almost every day. She used to wonder why she didn't die. “My life was like in hell, I had lost hope in life” she said. 

During the healing practices in her group, she shared her story and listened to other group members’ experiences. Meeting others motivated her as she realized that she was not alone to be suffering. The group helped her feel better and she started sleeping well. Her weight has increased. She has now regained the interest and energy to work. 

After the formal 16 week-long healing practices, she and her group members decided to join their hands in order to support one another and increase their economic capabilities. They started cultivating their land supporting one another, which significantly helped her increase her rice production.

 “Working together made our solidarity stronger as after the activity we seat and share again on new life experiences”, she said. Grace’s long support group decided that each member should contribute 250 rwfs (25p) each week with the goal to buy a chicken for each member. Currently, Grace has received a chicken whose eggs are sold to help her children eat better and have enough school materials. She took that opportunity to renew her family house. “I can testify that my life has positively changed. I am now a role model in my community, which has driven the village members to vote for me as a social community worker at the village level”.