Thanks to a beautiful entrepreneurial project run by the Daughters of Charity in Rwanda, 10 women have regained their financial autonomy and pride in working to support their families.

This project started in January 2022 by making the women aware of their training potential and providing them with the means to carry out their project. The Daughters then sought funds (via Projets Rosalie) to complete the financing and established the operational objectives of each one. At the same time they opened an account for those who did not have one. Last summer they bought the materials and started businesses for each of them. They set up regular visits to their workplaces to assess their business and ensure that they were well equipped to run their small businesses.

These 10 women were particularly poor and ostracised, living from street sales with a basket on their head. This project has enabled them to develop a real business with a place in the market, among the other merchants. They learn with joy from former traders who willingly share their experience. Now they feel dignified and respected. Having a booth at the marketplace allows them to have fixed hours enabling them to be present in their homes to look after their children. They can also meet their family’s daily needs and set aside time for emergencies.

This project has helped 10 families, 52 people in total.

“We simply say a big thank you on behalf of the beneficiaries, our Sisters who have accompanied the mothers closely. Your support came in time to relieve the poor mothers. They are in joy and thanksgiving for having a job that helps them to earn their living with dignity. THANK YOU, GOD BLESS YOU!”

Sister Olive NYIRANZAKIRA

Testimony

“My name is Vestine, I am a mother of three children. May the peace of God be with you. I would like to thank you for the help I received which enabled me to get off the street by removing the basket from my head. Everyone is surprised, including the local authorities, to see me trading like this, sitting in a nice shop like this. My neighbours want to know the person who saved my life. Really, I have regained my dignity and respect among others. I don’t have to worry about cooking a balanced meal, or paying for my children’s school fees or clothing. Thanks to you, I have started a small retail business where I offer many things: vegetables, charcoal, flour, rice, cooked beans, different kinds of drinks… So far I have saved more than 150,000 Rwandan Francs in my bank account which I will use to repair my house. This help has also taught me to be supportive and to share with others who are in need. Today I am helping a young boy to start a small donut business. I thank you very much and the Lord for your love which has given me back the dignity of a Rwandan mother. May God shower you with his blessings.”

Source: Les Projets Rosalie