The streets of Kigali, Rwanda, once bore witness to 100 days of systematic slaughter that ended the lives of an estimated 1 million people. Children left behind after the 1994 genocide, and those born soon after, emerged into a new Rwanda saturated by trauma, grief, and distrust.
Though Rwanda is praised today for its national model of reconciliation, peace was forged through dark days. And the children of genocide, now young adults themselves, did not surface unscathed.
Twenty-four year old Aliane grew up in the midst of Rwanda’s grieving. The betrayal of genocide enmeshed itself in her upbringing. It followed her family around like a shadow, tearing their stability apart. Tragically, abject poverty soon followed.
As a young adult, Aliane struggled to break free from poverty. She enjoyed tailoring, but without a sewing machine of her own, she never had the opportunity to improve her skills.
At 20 years old, she welcomed her first child into the world. Aliane had never felt such joy as she looked into the face of the tiny, perfect boy in her arms. Yet over the next weeks, her joy was interrupted by acute need. She could barely survive on her own. How would she care for a child? Several years later, after doing what she could to care for her son, her small family grew by another precious boy.
Her prayers became more urgent. She sought comfort in her local church, which happens to be a World Help partner.
This summer, Aliane’s prayers were answered. Our team had the privilege of learning her story and presenting her with her own sewing machine. This gift was made possible through the generous donations of World Help Gifts supporters. Aliane could not contain her excitement as she received her gift. To our surprise, she immediately dropped to the ground and began to praise God!
“Having my own sewing machine allows me to work with my hands and be able to support my family,” she told our Africa Regional Director Cyrus Mad-Bondo.
With her sewing machine, Aliane can join a cooperative of women who sell their products for a reliable income. She can even begin her own small business and train her children in the trade.
Like sewing machines, World Help believes in the power of simple gifts that bring sustainable transformation. We encourage you to browse through our Christmas gift catalog, a collection of unique investments that are changing lives and futures around the world.
Because of those who give sacrificially through this sustainable giving initiative, individuals like Aliane will no longer let poverty, genocide, or hopelessness define them. These gifts bring healing, transformation, and the greatest gift of all—hope.
