I Am Proud of My Granddaughter

For many years, Anasthasie, an elderly small-scale farmer from Gisagara District, Nyanza Sector, Higiro Cell, lived a life marked by poverty, isolation, and hopelessness. She spent most of her days alone, unable to connect with others or join community saving groups because of fear, shame, and lack of confidence, even meeting basic family needs was a daily struggle.

But what hurt her the most was watching her granddaughter slowly lose hope.

The child was withdrawn, fearful, and isolated from other children. Poor performance at school and constant failure were pushing the child toward dropping out. Anasthasie remembers the pain she felt every time her grandchild struggled both socially and academically.

Everything began to change when they joined FMI “Ubumuntu.”

Through the "Weekend and Holiday Coaching Program," the child received academic support, encouragement, and a safe environment to grow. Slowly, confidence replaced fear. The child started smiling again, playing with others, performing well at school, and is now among the best-performing students and dreams to become a teacher who brings positive change in the lives of vulnerable children, ensuring that no child loses hope in education regardless of their background.

Through FMI “Ubumuntu” talent development activities, the child also discovered a passion and talent for traditional dance. Today, the child proudly performs cultural dances during different community events and ceremonies, bringing joy and confidence not only to the child but also to the family.

“Before, I felt ashamed because my granddaughter was always failing in school. Today, I feel proud whenever people applaud and celebrate the child’s success,” Anasthasie says with emotion.

What gives her even greater pride is seeing her grandchild confidently performing traditional dances in front of different guests and large audiences during public events.

“Whenever I see my granddaughter dancing in front of many people and important guests, my heart is filled with joy and pride,” she says.

Anasthasie’s life also transformed through FMI “Ubumuntu” initiatives focused on poverty reduction, capacity building, and strengthening community saving groups to improve family livelihoods and sustain children’s education. Through continuous mentorship and financial literacy support, she learned the importance of saving and gradually started setting aside only 200 RWF per week. With increased confidence, knowledge, and support from the saving group system established by FMI “Ubumuntu,” she progressively increased her weekly savings to 1,000 RWF.

Today, she has managed to buy three goats that produce manure for supporting her in farming activities, improve household food production, paying family health insurance and other family needs. Through these efforts, FMI “Ubumuntu” continues empowering parents and caregivers to build self-reliance, strengthen household resilience, and create sustainable support systems that help children remain in school and achieve a better future.

Beyond transforming her own family, Anasthasie now encourages other families to embrace saving culture and return children who have dropped out back to school.

“The future of our children is in our hands. When we support them today, we give them hope for tomorrow.”

Her story is a powerful reminder that when families are empowered, children are given the opportunity to dream again.

FMI “Ubumuntu” is transforming lives by supporting vulnerable children to stay in school through school fees, learning materials, uniforms, school feeding, and other essential needs. With only 50,000 RWF (about $38 USD), one child can study for a full year without barriers. Through its “Back to School” campaign, the organization has already helped more than 7,000 children return to school across Gisagara District.