Making a house a home
Upon my arrival in 2009 in the very poor, rural District of Nyamsheke, I was met by over a hundred single mothers and grandmothers raising kids in destitute conditions caused by AIDS and the genocide. They valiantly tried to support one another but had no means to create a permanent difference. I quickly put together a team of young guys eager to create that difference.
Faced with an impossible array of needs, we went to the Director of the local clinic for advice. “Support the mamas’ health and she will accomplish what the kids need most.”
They told us what they needed for health: new metal roof, clean water catchment system, health insurance, smoke-free stove, a garden. In five years we rehabilitated over 200 houses. Mamas were overcome with gratitude. Life was easier when secured from rain and intruders, when spared from hauling water, not cooking over a smoking fire, having access to health care. We gave blankets, pots and bed nets wherever needed.
All the while we repaired houses, the mamas would plead: pay school fees for my children. As our capacity grew that became an equal priority.