08Nov2025
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financial freedom Tag

Tag: financial freedom

Family of Hagari
October 22, 2025

The Power of a Mother’s Will

Stella's Story

In the heart of Busanza, Rwanda, lives Stella, affectionately known as Mama Kevin — a hardworking mother of three whose quiet strength and determination sustain her family. Her livelihood comes from selling fish by the roadside — a modest yet steady business that keeps food on the table and her children’s basic needs met.

At the beginning of this year, Stella set a goal that reflected both her love and her vision for her children’s future. Her eldest daughter, Gatesi, is studying Computer Science, but she often struggled to keep up in class because she didn’t have her own computer. Stella decided she would change that. She made it her mission to buy a second-hand computer before the 2025–2026 school year began — even if it meant saving every franc she could from her small business.

With determination, sacrifice, and an unshakable sense of purpose, Stella met her goal. After months of saving, she purchased a second-hand computer for 180,000 RWF (about $125). Today, Gatesi attends her lessons with confidence, no longer depending on classmates’ laptops.

Stella
"Mama Kevin"

But this achievement is only part of Stella’s story. Despite the daily struggles of single motherhood, she continues to provide for every need in her household — from school supplies, rent, and food to medical care and clothing. At times, she has borrowed from her savings group to cover urgent expenses, yet she has never wavered in her commitment to repay, save, and move forward.

Stella says her greatest source of strength has been seeing how Hagari Rwanda supports her children’s education. Inspired by that example, she felt it was her responsibility to do her part as a mother. Knowing that her daughter’s studies required a computer, she reminded herself that “there was no one else who would do it for Gatesi.”

Through this journey, Stella discovered powerful lessons:

  • Every achievement requires sacrifice.
  • Saving is essential for progress.
  • And above all, a parent must always strive to play their part.

When she finally reached her goal, Stella’s heart overflowed with joy and renewed confidence in her ability to shape her children’s future. Gatesi, equally grateful, expressed deep appreciation for her mother’s love and commitment.

Stella remains profoundly thankful to Hagari Rwanda for walking alongside her family. She recalls a time when she had lost all hope that her children would ever attend school — but Hagari Rwanda stood by her, encouraging her to dream again, set goals, and believe in what was possible.

Today, Stella’s story stands as a shining example of the power of a mother’s will — and the life-changing impact that compassion and partnership can bring.

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.

Solange
Also known as Mama Jeshua
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 Hagari
July 16, 2025

Brick by Brick: A Mother’s Journey

Rachel, lovingly known in her community as Mama Messi, is a devoted mother whose journey reflects courage, resilience, and transformation. Her children, Messi and Belinda, have been supported for their education by Hagari since nursery school—a foundation that has helped shape not only their lives but also their mother’s.

In 2023, Rachel and her husband took a bold step toward securing stability for their family: they set out to obtain legal ownership of their land. This dream, long held and deeply rooted, became a reality by the end of 2024—made possible through disciplined saving from Rachel’s salary as a cleaner at Hagari and regular contributions to her neighborhood savings group, Tuzamurane Radari.

But their path was not without obstacles. They faced financial strain from uncooperative land co-owners who delayed the process, the emotional and economic challenge of an unplanned pregnancy despite using family planning, and the sudden need to cover school transfer expenses for one of their children. Amid these pressures, they were also preparing for the birth of their baby— saving each month for essential items and expanding their home to create a welcoming space for their growing family.

Despite these trials, Rachel and her husband pressed on with determination. Drawing on the practical knowledge and life skills gained from Hagari Rwanda’s Family Development Plan—especially in budgeting, goal setting, and planning for emergencies—they overcame each hurdle with grace and perseverance.

Today, Rachel proudly holds the official documents to their land. Their once- crowded home is now expanded and filled with warmth and laughter. Her children are flourishing in school, and Rachel herself stands as a symbol of an empowered motherhood.

She expresses heartfelt gratitude to Hagari Rwanda—not only for supporting her children’s education, but also for walking alongside her as a parent through stable employment, financial literacy, and access to health insurance. Her story is a powerful reminder that with determination, planning, and the right support, even the most difficult dreams can come true. 

Family of Hagari
May 27, 2025

Charlotte’s Story: A Journey of Discipline, Teamwork, and Hope

Before joining the Hagari program, Nyiranshuti Charlotte and her husband lived with constant financial uncertainty. He worked as a bicycle taxi rider, while Charlotte took on small casual jobs to help support their family. With limited income and no clear financial plan, saving for the future felt like a distant dream.

Their lives began to change when Charlotte joined Hagari’s training program. There, she was introduced to essential life skills—budgeting, saving, and setting achievable financial goals. For the first time, she and her husband saw the power of planning and the strength that comes from working together with a shared purpose.

Motivated by what they had learned, Charlotte and her husband made a firm commitment: they would begin saving 10,000 RWF every week. With discipline and determination, they stuck to their goal, using only extra income to cover daily needs without touching their savings.

Their first milestone was the purchase of a bicycle. Though it took time, their consistent saving paid off. The bicycle allowed Charlotte’s husband to earn a more stable income, and they continued to set their sights on the next step—obtaining a motorcycle driving license.

Through ongoing effort and unity, Charlotte’s husband successfully completed the licensing process. Later, when an additional 50,000 RWF was needed to retrieve the license from the police, they once again turned to the habit that had brought them this far: saving. With patience and perseverance, they raised the money and moved one step closer to their dream.

Though they have not yet purchased their own motorcycle, progress continues. Charlotte’s husband now borrows motorcycles from fellow riders—especially at night—to continue working and earning. This has allowed them to maintain their savings plan while moving steadily toward their ultimate goal: owning a motorcycle that will increase their mobility and create more opportunities for income.

Their journey is a testament to the power of commitment and the strength of partnership. Charlotte and her husband now save 15,000 RWF each week—an inspiring sign of their growth and determination.

The Hagari program didn’t just teach them how to manage money; it gave them tools, mindset, and hope. With every small step, Charlotte’s family is building a brighter, more self-reliant future.

Charlotte

You can help impact more families like Charlotte’s. Give today at www.hagari.rw/donate.