”Rising from ruins: Ida’s Journey From Disaster to Dignity”

Ida NDAYIZEYE, a mother of four and proud member of IMFURA—the first incubator established by RGW—shares her powerful story of transformation through the ITOTO project:

My life was completely upended by devastating floods. I lost everything—my home, my belongings, and even my sense of hope. To make matters worse, my husband lost his job and we were evicted. We ended up living in tents in Gatumba, struggling every day just to find food. I felt isolated, hopeless, and stuck in a dark place with no way out.

Joining RGW was like seeing light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. I took part in sessions on healing and emotional resilience, which became a lifeline, helping me manage the trauma I carried. RGW also provided school supplies for my children, easing one of my biggest worries.

Through their economic empowerment and planning programs, I was able to get back on my feet. I launched small income-generating activities that now earn me 5,000 FBU daily—enough to meet my family’s basic needs. We’ve moved out of the tents and into a rented home in Gahahe. My sense of peace has even improved my vision problems. I take pride in myself again, in how I look, and in what I’ve achieved.

Today, I feel joy and peace. I have a renewed vision—not just for my life, but for my children’s future as well. I’ve regained my self-esteem and confidence, and they now drive me forward.

I am deeply grateful to RGW for their unwavering support. You’ve helped me rebuild my life and given my children a second chance. I encourage RGW to offer training on accessing microcredit so that we can further grow and strengthen our income-generating activities.