Category: Family of Hagari

Family of HagariInzozi Academy

From Wandering To Walking In Purpose

Mama Moriya shares about her and her daughter’s experience with Hagari Rwanda after only 3 months of being part of the student partnership and family development plan programs!

 

“It is amazing to witness the extent to which quality education can holistically impact a child’s life. My daughter is a beneficiary of the excellent education provided by Inzozi Academy. Seeing my Moriya transform for the better is greatness unfolding before me. A lot has changed about my child. With only three months of schooling, she can confidently state her name, name her immediate family members, and express herself fairly well in English. Additionally, Moriya has developed good manners; she greets everyone upon arriving home.

There is a drastic difference in our lives before and after Moriya was accepted into the Hagari Rwanda student partnership program. Previously, she stayed home alone while I worked to support the family. I encouraged her to play with our neighbor’s children, but she often wandered beyond set boundaries,

meeting unfamiliar people and picking up bad manners and foul language.

Since she started school, her character has improved significantly through interactions with like-minded peers and ethical teachers.

I have also benefited from Hagari’s family support programs, especially Discipleship. Although I have been a Christian for many years, regularly attending church and reading my bible but, I had never fully understood salvation until Gaston (a Hagari Staff) taught it to us. I vividly remember the sessions about salvation, where Gaston used an illustrated diagram to explain the journey to salvation and how easy it is to drift away if one is not careful. I now know that salvation is the foundation of my Christian faith. When my husband lightly commented about the change in my conduct, it elated my heart, for I knew my effort in trying to live a purpose-driven Christian life was starting to bear fruit. 

As beneficiaries of Hagari Rwanda, we meet once a week, and I always look forward to this fellowship. Sometimes, circumstances prevent me from attending, and I feel disappointed, wondering what my colleagues have covered in my absence. I am grateful to Hagari Rwanda for the programs they offer to improve our lives.” -Mama Moriya

Family of Hagari

A Father’s Gratitude and Community Spirit

During this summer holiday, the Hagari Rwanda community gathered regularly for Umuganda, a traditional Rwandan practice of community work. Among the many hands at work, one figure stood out—Papa Kelve, whose son is supported by Hagari Rwanda. The support his son receives for education has profoundly impacted their lives, and Papa Kelve has found a meaningful way to express his gratitude.

“Participating in Umuganda is my modest way of saying thank you to Hagari Rwanda,” Papa Kelve shared with a warm smile as he helped clear the grounds of Inzozi Academy in preparation for the new academic year starting in September, where his son dreams of a bright future. “It feels good and makes me happy to give back to those who are giving my son Kelve a good education. I pity anyone who avoids community work; they miss out on the joy of contributing to something bigger than themselves.”

The sense of fulfillment he has obtained from his involvement is so profound and evident. With every task he undertook, whether moving the dirt or carrying boulders, Papa Kelve was not just working, but rather he has been investing in his son’s future and the well-being of the entire Hagari Rwanda community.

“As a parent, seeing my son receive an education is a blessing, but having the opportunity to give back in some way, through Umuganda, is an even greater blessing,” he added. His dedication has been obvious, and it is clear that his involvement was never an obligation but rather an act of love.

For Papa Kelve, Umuganda at Inzozi Academy has not been just a duty; it has been an opportunity to connect with others, to share in the collective effort of building a better school for their children. “I’m happy to have been given such an opportunity to help at Inzozi Academy,” he says, reflecting on the friendships and sense of purpose he has found through this communal work. His story reflects the power of gratitude and community spirit. Through his actions, Papa Kelve has embodied the essence of Umuganda—coming together to uplift one another, to create a brighter future for all, and to give back with a grateful heart.

Family of Hagari

Becoming a Model Family

“Fabrice’s family is a great example of cooperation; the parents work together as a team,” says Ms. Doreen, the support worker for the Hagari Rwanda family. This demonstrates the strong bond between the family and their support worker, setting them on the path to becoming a role model household within Hagari Rwanda.

In this four-person household, the eldest child, Uwase Manzi Fabrice, receives support from Hagari Rwanda. Fabrice’s family shows the power of unity in overcoming the daily challenges of life in Kigali. Mr. Niyonzima, the head of the household, transports goods and people by bicycle, while his wife, Charlotte Nyiranshuti, works as a janitor at a home and a pharmacy.

Mama Fabrice shares, “We may not have a lavish life, but at least we are able to have the basics.” Following the advice of Ms. Doreen, Mama Fabrice started saving 5000 Rwandan francs ($3.75) per month to ensure she has funds to cover tuition for her youngest son, Pacifique Niyibokora, since he is not supported by Hagari Rwanda. Currently, Pacifique is in school, which has given his mother a chance to focus on making ends meet while her children are away at school. The household is now bustling with activity, with both Pacifique and Fabrice attending school.

It’s heartwarming to know that Fabrice, who is a Nursery three student at Inzozi Academy—a school founded and funded by Hagari Rwanda—provides tutorial lessons to his younger brother, Pacifique. This bond between the brothers demonstrates the positive effects of educational opportunities and community support.

Hagari Rwanda’s support goes beyond financial aid; it fosters a sense of purpose and direction within the family. The collaboration between Hagari Rwanda and Fabrice’s family demonstrates the significant impact of community and support systems in promoting resilience and growth. Mama Fabrice’s saving habit, inspired by Ms. Doreen, has not only secured Pacifique’s education but also encouraged financial discipline within the family. This positive change is evidence of the beneficial influence of Hagari Rwanda’s programs, showing how targeted advice and support can lead to sustainable improvements in the lives of beneficiaries.

As Fabrice continues to excel at Inzozi Academy, he not only paves the way for his own future but also sets a remarkable example for his sibling. The family’s journey from a survival state showcases the transformative power of unity, education, and dedicated support. Through the joint efforts of Hagari Rwanda and the unwavering commitment of the family, they have overcome significant challenges, setting a foundation for a brighter future. The family hopes to build their own house on their plot of land once they save enough funds for construction, which would ease the burden of paying rent.

Family of Hagari

Overcoming Addiction & Rebuilding a Family

Alcohol has always been my source of solace in the face of rejection. In alcohol, I found the elusive peace and attention I craved. It eased the pain of my life,” says Mama Ketia, a beneficiary of Hagari Rwanda.

Life has always been challenging for Mama Ketia, a mother of five. She used to rely on alcohol for solace, which left her feeling ashamed in front of her children. Her drinking habit led to injuries and erratic behavior, causing hardship for her children. Her case worker, Ms. Claudine, took a non-judgmental approach and offered continuous support, helping Mama Ketia find the strength to confront her struggles. Thanks to Ms. Claudine’s support and encouragement, Mama Ketia has achieved sobriety, aiming to mend her relationship with her children and the community.

She no longer has the desire to trade off household items for a few francs to buy her daily drink, and now she is able to save a franc, which will go towards covering her family’s basics. Mama Ketia’s story is one of transformation and hope. Through the relentless support and care from Hagari Rwanda, particularly from Ms. Claudine, Mama Ketia has found a new path. She now stands as a testament to the power of compassion, patience, and unwavering support in overcoming addiction. Her children, once burdened with the fear and instability brought on by her drinking, now see a mother who is present and responsible – a loving mother who is an active participant in their nurturing.

This journey has not only transformed Mama Ketia’s life but has also brought stability and happiness to her children, replacing embarrassment and fear with security and care. The Family Support team is now delighted with the fact that it is easy to get hold of Mama Ketia, as she is able to keep ahold of a mobile phone without trading it off for a few francs to buy her drink.