I am from Rwanda exactly in south province at Ntenyo [my parent’s home] there are the first professional weavers in Rwanda, I stay in Kigali city. I remember our house is bordered by sisal plants which my Mummy used in weaving baskets. The women weavers are especially genocide survivors, widows and young ladies, single mothers, women living with AIDS, the women who their men are in prison because of genocide, the women meet and work together.
We have a big plot there sometimes I think [of] what I can do there and today God has given to me a vision: To build there a weaving center where women will meet to weave, to train other women and girls and a shop for their products. I will do that in memory of my Mummy and in promoting weaver career[s].
Rwanda Rwanda
I have survived with my grandmother, auntie and orphans. We are about twenty, I have a great responsibility to assist them but it is so hard because also I have to take care about my family. My lovely husband David KARASIRA (genocide survivor from BUGESERA) is a volunteer evangelist and driver but he hasn’t a job .Today I work in microfinance institution my salary is 329 USD, the house of my husband is demolished in genocide we have to rent a house and feed a family .At home I try with my little revenue to assist two young girls orphans and one young boy .My life post genocide is in struggle but in all I hope the good days in future. I have decided to never close my arms, this project will benefit myself, my family and impact the vulnerable women weavers.
Paula, visit me in poverty. We will meet women weavers and we will talk about to build a center, having this center we will have a great opportunity to have the products of quality, cheap and we will surely impact the life of those vulnerable women weavers. The handcrafts they make are really beautiful; I try to send some pictures of them. Yes, we can do that and this is the time. At the beginning of this year some authorities wanted to take our land, and we have claim[ed] it, they have stopped their plan so put there the such action [that] will be my great pleasure and the achievement of one of my objective[s].
This is an idea of what we can do for the women baskets project….
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As the child of a single mother, Chantal grew up and lived first with her grandparent and then with her aunt. As a result, she developed care, compassion and advocacy for other children, especially those of single mothers.
The 100-day genocide of 1994 brutally claimed the lives of numerous family members, including her mother. She herself was the victim of both emotional and physical abuse, but survived through her faith in God. She was sixteen, deeply scarred to the extent of attempting suicide. She sought and found answers in God.
Since then, Chantal has become a visionary with objectives and determination to live a life that advocates for the rights of other vulnerable children, young girls and women. She has obtained degree with distinction in management and is married, blessed with three wonderful children of her own.
She has indicatied that her goals are to…
Ø Write and publish her personal story
Ø Advocate for vulnerable women (single mothers, genocide survivors, widow), children, young girls and other genocide survivors
Ø Fight violence against women
Ø Promote women’s development by creating small projects, training and education
Ø Promote peace and fight the genocide ideology
Ø Encourage women and young girls to gain hope and actively participate in peace-building programs.
1000 Women is poised to work with Chantal and others in Rwanda
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