Discipleship – Hagari Rwanda

Tag: Discipleship

May 6, 2026

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.

Youth Ministry

April 23, 2026

From Hidden Pain to Healing and Hope – A Transformative Journey

What began as a simple gathering of 27 young people at Agahozo Shalom Youth Village became something far deeper—a powerful journey into healing, truth, and transformation.

Over the course of the trauma healing retreat, young men and women between the ages of 16 and 25 were invited into a space many had never entered before: a space to pause, reflect, and confront the pain they had long carried in silence. What emerged was not just individual breakthrough, but a shared experience that deeply impacted every participant.

David arrived at the retreat convinced he did not have any major struggles. But as the sessions unfolded, he began to uncover layers of unspoken emotions and hidden pain.

“I realized there were things inside me I had never faced.”

One of the most profound moments for David came through the theme of forgiveness. He found the courage to forgive his father for past wounds—something he had carried for years. That decision brought him peace and opened the door to restored communication between them for the first time in a long time.

The retreat also introduced participants to the practice of lament—giving them permission to express their pain, confusion, and even their questions toward God. For David, this was a turning point. It allowed him to be honest about what he could not understand, while learning to release what he could not control.

As the days went on, many participants began to open up about their emotions. What started as hesitation turned into deep vulnerability. Together, they discovered they were not alone.

“It felt like a heavy weight was lifted… like chains were broken,” David shared.

Through learning the Cycle of Grief—moving from loss and grief to denial and anger, then to hope and new beginnings—the young people began to understand how unaddressed pain shapes their lives and relationships. More importantly, they learned that healing is possible.

For Chanceline, the retreat was both deeply challenging and profoundly meaningful. She cherished the quiet moments of connection—studying together with the trainer and gathering around the campfire in the evenings. These moments created a safe space where walls came down and trust began to grow.

One of the most powerful experiences for her came during a session where participants reflected on personal memories. As stories surfaced, so did emotions. Many found themselves crying together.

“We realized how much we had been carrying inside.”

This shared vulnerability became a turning point—not just for Chanceline, but for the entire group.

Throughout the retreat, she learned the importance of forgiveness, the courage to express emotions, and the danger of emotional numbness. Like David, she had believed she did not have any real problems. But through the process, she came to see the deeper areas of her life that needed healing.

Though difficult, this realization marked the beginning of her growth.

She also walked away with a renewed sense of faith:

“I understood that God is present and sovereign in every part of my life.”

By the end of the week, it was clear—no one left unchanged.

What started as hidden pain became a journey toward healing. What was once silence became shared stories. And what felt like isolation became connection.

Each young person left stronger, more self-aware, and filled with hope.

For David, for Chanceline, and for every participant, this retreat was not just an experience—it was the beginning of a new chapter.

Family of Hagari

February 9, 2026

From Dependence to Self-Reliance

Before joining Hagari Rwanda, Mama Sammy (Emmerance), a mother of two children, lived in a difficult situation. She did not have a stable source of income, and meeting daily household needs was a constant struggle. Although her husband tried to support the family, the support was not consistent. Mama Sammy made several attempts to find work and even tried to obtain a driving license to improve her chances of employment, but these efforts were unsuccessful. Over time, this left her feeling discouraged, confused, and unsure about her future.

At that stage, Mama Sammy lacked direction, start-up capital, and the knowledge needed to begin an income-generating activity. The responsibility of caring for her children weighed heavily on her, and she needed more than financial help. She needed guidance, emotional support, and hope.

After joining Hagari Rwanda, Mama Sammy began receiving regular home visits, counseling, and close follow-up from a social worker. Through these visits, her challenges were discussed, goals were set, and progress was monitored. She also participated in Family Development Plan (FDP) training and discipleship sessions. These sessions helped her learn how to plan, save, work with discipline, and make wise decisions. She was encouraged to start small, remain patient, and trust the process.

Even though she had no personal capital, Mama Sammy took a brave step by borrowing a small amount of money from her mother to start a small business. With guidance, regular follow-up, and hard work, she managed the business carefully and responsibly. She was able to repay the borrowed money and slowly began saving. As her confidence and skills grew, she used her savings to open her own shop, applying the business and financial lessons she had learned through the program.

Today, Mama Sammy’s shop is operating well and continues to grow. The income from the business allows her to meet her household needs, support her children, and increase her savings. She no longer depends on begging or waiting for help, but works with dignity, confidence, and independence.

In addition to economic improvement, Mama Sammy experienced positive emotional and spiritual growth. Through discipleship provided by Hagari, her faith became personal and strong. She learned to pray regularly and trust God in her daily life. This new understanding gave her peace, hope, and motivation.

Mama Sammy also benefited from parenting and family life teachings. Before, she believed that discipline meant only physical punishment. Through training, she learned positive ways to guide her children—correcting them with understanding and appreciating their efforts. As a result, family relationships improved, and her home became more supportive and peaceful.

Today, Mama Sammy is a confident and self-reliant woman (kwigira). She is able to provide for her children, manage her business, and make informed decisions for her family. Her story shows how continuous support—through counseling, training, follow-up, and spiritual guidance—can help vulnerable families move from dependence to lasting self-reliance and hope.

Family of Hagari

September 10, 2025

Roots of Hope: How Hagari Changed Our Home

Life before Hagari was like walking through a storm. Our marriage was weighed down by constant arguments, disrespect, and conflict. Home—meant to be a place of rest—felt more like a battlefield. We lived in a small, crowded house where tension filled the air, and even though I worked tirelessly, my efforts bore little fruit.

Profits slipped through my fingers, debts piled high, and I sank deeper into financial stress with every passing day.

I tried joining savings groups, hoping for a way out. But because of my frequent borrowing, I remained chained to debt, always struggling to repay what I owed. It was a painful season—marked by scarcity, shame, and silent tears.

When Hagari Came Into Our Lives

Then, like light breaking through a dark sky, Hagari came into our lives. At first, it was my child who received the opportunity to study in a good school. But soon, we realized that Hagari was not only shaping the future of our child, Jeshua, but also reshaping our entire family.

We were taught how to live in harmony, to respect one another, and to walk in unity. Slowly, the walls of conflict that had divided us began to crumble. I learned humility, and with it, I discovered the beauty of respecting and honoring my husband. Today, even when disagreements arise, we sit together, talk, and resolve our issues peacefully. Our home is no longer a battlefield, but a place of warmth and partnership.

Financial Wisdom and Growth

Another turning point was the gift of financial wisdom. Before, I worked hard but wasted money on fleeting pleasures. I had no goals, no vision—only exhaustion and loss. Through Hagari’s teaching, I discovered the power of saving, planning, and denying short-term desires for long-term stability.

My husband and I started small—a charcoal business with just three sacks. We nurtured it carefully, like planting seeds in fertile soil. Over time, those seeds grew. Three sacks became thirty, and with discipline, our debts shrank. Today, we live in a larger, more comfortable home with three rooms—a visible sign of how far we’ve come.

Parenting With Love

Hagari’s lessons also touched the heart of my parenting. I used to silence my children’s voices and discipline them in anger. Now, I listen. I understand. I guide with love and correct with patience. My children feel heard, valued, and secure—and that, to me, is one of the greatest transformations of all.

In Conclusion

Hagari has been more than an organization to us; it has been a lifeline. Spiritually, we are stronger. Relationally, we are united. Financially, we are growing. From a home once marked by conflict and lack, we are now building a future with peace, respect, and hope.

We are forever grateful to Hagari—for the teachings, the support, and the love that has rewritten our story.

Family of HagariInzozi Academy

January 17, 2025

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