Faith and Resilience through Economic Empowerment in Rwanda

Born in 1954, Donatha lost her husband to the Rwandan conflict in 1994, along with eight of her nine children. Her only remaining child is now a mother who ekes out a living by doing small jobs in the Rwanda capital Kigali. Her two children, Parfait (who is sponsored by World Vision) and Daniane, live with their grandmother.  

Donata has been a member of Imbereheza Gatobotobo savings group since 2018.  

Speaking about her involvement, she said, “Before joining the group, I used to cultivate too many plants on my plot, but since receiving training from VisionFund I have learned how to grow crops such as beans and maize that can bring profits.  

Of course, I also grow vegetables that we eat at home, and which we were happy to have during the COVID emergency when we could hardly move around to sell or buy goods. I have received two loans, which I’ve used to buy two pigs, some goats, and tools.  

I also look after my neighbours’ cow, and they pay me with milk and fertilizer. Cow manure is an excellent fertilizer, and it does not damage the environment. I am thankful to World Vision and VisionFund for their support to me and my grandson. I hope Parfait will study until university.” Her smiling face testifies to Donata’s faith and resilience, which enabled her to survive and move on after the death of her family.