Beathe Mukamugema is 44 years old and lives in Gahanga sector, Kicukiro district, Kigali City. She is a mother of six: three from her first marriage and three from her second. The older children from her first marriage are aged 23, 21, and 20. Her younger children, ages 18, 12, and 8, are supported by Hands of Compassion Rwanda (HACORWA), an organization that has been life-changing for her family. Beathe’s journey with HACORWA began when her eldest son received a chicken from the organization. She recalls, “HACORWA came to my son’s school, looking for students from families in need. Our name was given to them, and that’s how it all started.” That same day, HACORWA invited her and other parents to an education session on positive parenting. Soon, they received chickens, which provided eggs and basic school materials for their children
Beyond support for her children, HACORWA helped Beathe build a foundation for financial stability. In 2021, she joined a savings and lending group for vulnerable women, created with HACORWA’s leadership. Through this initiative, she received training in saving money, child-rearing, and financial independence. Starting with a small group, the program has since expanded, now supporting multiple women across four groups
Beathe contributes 2,000 francs (~$2) weekly to her savings group, and over four years, she has participated in four cycles of savings and distributions. With each share-out, she made significant strides:
- She cleared a debt of 35,000 francs (~$30).
- She paid school fees for her daughter entering secondary school.
- She renovated her small house, which now earns her $10 in a monthly rent.
- During the Christmas season, she bought clothes and food for her children.
To provide for her family, Beathe washes clothes for neighbors, earning around $3 per day. Her dream is to get enough—about $200—to start a business selling beans and sorghum, gradually growing her income. More than anything, she hopes to secure a better future for her children, especially since her older ones had to drop out of school. She prays that her son, who is still in primary school level six at 18, can enroll in vocational training and develop a skill that will sustain him.
The saving group starts the session with prayer; and Beathe is wearing a red dress.
Through all of life’s challenges, Beathe remains strong and hopeful. She credits HACORWA not only for the financial support but also for the emotional encouragement she has found in her savings group—now her support system. “HACORWA has helped me build a better life,” she says. “And I am determined to keep moving forward.”
