Keep a Child Alive

Day 31 - Faith Renewed

The 17 years since the genocide in Rwanda have been a time of intense rebuilding for the country and its people.  Improvements in the health, education and economic sectors have enhanced the quality of life for many in Rwanda, whose capital city of Kigali bustles with activity.  But despite progress, the legacy of those 100 days continues to cast a shadow on the survivors, many of who still suffer trauma and pain from injuries suffered during the genocide.  Among those who survived the most extreme brutality are the women of Rwanda, who lived to see their husbands, fathers, brothers and sons killed before their eyes.  They survived unimaginable acts of violence to learn only later that their rapists had infected them with HIV.  There were those, too, who became pregnant through rape and were left to raise the children of their rapists, many children born with HIV.  

At the KCA-funded Centreville Clinic in Kigali, women receive AIDS treatment and surrounding care, including psycho-social support services to help them better cope with life.  And through the Ineza Women’s Cooperative, the women in the clinic’s care find the renewed courage and support they need to heal their once fragmented lives. 

In 2005, Ineza was started by a group of patients as a source of personal empowerment and economic development. Through education programs in design, sewing, management, computer skills and marketing, these patients learn valuable skills to help support themselves.  In addition, English classes are taught to enable the women to better communicate with customers and tourists that come to Ineza to purchase goods.  Ineza also organizes in-house healing workshops and train the women as peer counselors.  Every product that the Ineza women create is one-of-a-kind, and represents the strength and renewal of female survivors of the 1994 genocide.

One such survivor is Faith, who joined Ineza with no sewing skills.  At age 49, she is now well-versed in sewing, and is proud that this skill makes it possible for her to provide for the nine children in her care. Faith has become so skilled that she now also designs and sews clothing for herself and her children at home!

According to Faith, Ineza not only provides a source of much-needed economic independence, but the communal support system that fosters emotional healing.  The strength and determination of Faith and all the women of the Ineza Women’s Cooperative in the face of overwhelming loss and tragedy demonstrate fully the beauty and triumph of the human spirit.  Today, Faith feels empowered, independent and confident to once again be a leader in the community.  At her church, she sings in the choir and is a part-time preacher!

With 25 patient members now, the Ineza Women’s Cooperative seeks to grow its manufacturing capacity, product diversity and staff numbers.  Keep a Child Alive is dedicated to helping our patients at the Centreville Clinic attain self-sufficiency and the ability to care for their families that they all desire.

This is why we do what we do at Keep a Child Alive. Text BUYLIFE to 90999 to give $10 to help us continue these inspirational stories of hope, love and strength.

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