Claudine 1
Family of Hagari

Rewriting the Future

Before joining Hagari Rwanda, Claudine’s (Mama Abbia) life was marked by a season of deep uncertainty. When her husband lost his job, the family’s only source of income disappeared almost overnight. With no savings to rely on, each day became a struggle to meet even the most basic needs. In a painful attempt to survive, they began selling their household belongings—furniture, kitchen utensils—anything they could exchange for food.

At home, Claudine cared for her two young children. Though she longed to contribute financially, she felt held back by her limited communication skills, especially her lack of confidence in speaking English. This made it difficult for her to pursue opportunities, leaving her feeling stuck and discouraged.

Then, a turning point came. Her husband found another job, offering a small but steady source of income. Around the same time, Abbia (Claudine’s daughter) was accepting into Hagari’s Student Partnership Program and Claudine joined Hagari’s Family Development Program (FDP)—a moment that would begin to reshape their story.

Through the program, Claudine was introduced to financial management, budgeting, and the importance of saving. She embraced these lessons wholeheartedly. Determined to change their situation, she and her husband made a bold decision: to start saving, no matter how little they had. Together, they opened a bank account and began setting aside small amounts with discipline and consistency.

Slowly, things began to change.

Even as they worked through their debts, they remained committed to their new financial habits. Over time, their efforts bore fruit. Today, the family has built an emergency fund capable of sustaining them for up to four months—a milestone that once seemed out of reach.

With renewed stability, they have restored dignity in their home, replacing the items they once had to sell. They now have a sofa, a bed set with a mattress, kitchen utensils, and even a television. Claudine has also applied knowledge from Hagari’s nutrition trainings, ensuring her children receive balanced meals. The impact is visible—her children are healthy, growing, and well cared for.

Looking ahead, Claudine and her husband now dream beyond survival. They have set a long-term goal to purchase land within the next ten years and build a home of their own—leaving behind the uncertainty of renting.

In addition, through a recently introduced English learning program at Hagari, Claudine seized the opportunity to improve her communication skills. She is gradually building confidence in expressing herself and continues to show encouraging progress.

Claudine’s journey is one of quiet strength and transformation. Through resilience, willingness to learn, and the support of Hagari Rwanda, she has moved her family from a place of crisis to one of stability. Today, their story is no longer defined by struggle, but by hope, purpose, and the promise of a brighter future.

Quente 2
Inzozi AcademyStudent Story

A Voice Unfolding

Meet Quente, a 12-year-old learner in Primary Three whose journey is a quiet but powerful story of growth and transformation.

When Quente first joined the class, he was extremely timid and withdrawn. The classroom, filled with voices, movement, and collaboration, felt overwhelming to him. He often kept to himself, avoiding group activities and shying away from presenting his work. Interacting with others was particularly challenging, and he struggled to find his place among his peers.

Academically, Quente had the ability, but his fear of speaking and engaging held him back. Group discussions, oral presentations, and even team-based activities in Physical Education were areas of difficulty. He preferred working alone, where he felt safe, but this limited his growth in both confidence and collaboration.

Yet, beneath the quietness was a spark waiting to be nurtured.

With intentional support from his teachers, Quente began a gradual journey of change. They guided him patiently, helping him understand the importance of teamwork and creating safe opportunities for him to participate. He was encouraged to share ideas and engage in group tasks. Presentations started in small, familiar groups, allowing him to build confidence step by step until he could eventually speak on his own.

At the same time, his parents played a vital role in reinforcing this growth. His mother closely monitored his progress and ensured that the same encouragement extended beyond the classroom. Recognizing the importance of teamwork, she enrolled him in a football academy, where he could practice collaboration and build social confidence in a different environment.

Slowly but surely, Quente began to change.

Today, he is no longer the timid boy who avoided participation. Academically, he confidently shares ideas with classmates and presents his work without fear. His voice, once hesitant, is now growing stronger with each opportunity he takes.

Behaviorally, he has embraced the value of teamwork. In fact, he has become one of the students who help organize teams during playtime—a remarkable shift from the boy who once struggled to engage with others. He now understands that success is not just about individual effort, but about working together.

One of Quente’s standout strengths is in Mathematics. His ability in the subject is exceptional, often solving problems from Primary Four—well above his current level. This strength continues to shine as his confidence grows in other areas.

While he is still a work in progress—occasionally losing track of his thoughts when speaking—his progress is undeniable. Each attempt he makes is a step forward, and his willingness to try reflects a learner who is steadily finding his voice.

Quente’s story is a testament to the impact of patience, collaboration, and consistent support. With dedicated teachers guiding him and supportive parents reinforcing his growth, he is becoming the confident, capable learner he was always meant to be.

And though his journey is still unfolding, one thing is certain—Quente is well on his way, and his future is full of promise.