Bugesera District in Rwanda is home to Jeanette, a single mother of 6 children, 2 of whom have disabilities. In her community, people who are disabled and those who care for them are often judged and isolated, and Jeanette’s husband left the family to avoid the shame from the community. While Jeanette does her best to take care of her family through casual work, she struggles to earn enough money to pay for her children’s education, and sometimes they are sent home due to a missed payment. “My life is full of challenges, and I always felt exhausted and hopeless,” she says.
One day, Jeanette was contacted by staff from the local church, in partnership with the Association des Eglises Baptist au Rwanda (AEBR), inviting her to join the Disabled Mother-Child Welfare Project. Jeanette now regularly joins activities planned by the church for her and other mothers of children with disabilities. She has learned about her rights and the rights of her children. As part of the project, her house was renovated to include a bathroom, and she received additional food sources like chickens and fruit trees.
“After joining this project, my mind changed, and I believe that life is possible,” she shares. “I’m slowly regaining hope as the church caregivers visit my family with kind and healing words that keep strengthening me. Slowly, my life is changing positively.”
Jeanette extends her thanks to AEBR, its partners, and those keeping her in their prayers. “I’m hoping that through this project I can build a better foundation for my life, the life of my children and the life of others in the community.”
By reacquainting herself with her local Baptist church, she found a home in the community and feels blessed to be known by the deacons who continue to assist with labour and materials for her home renovations.
Jeanette is one of the many women this project has touched the hearts of since January 2025. The members of AEBR and partners of CBM continue to make a difference in these mothers’ lives to create a healthier and happier environment for their children through support, community work, and prayer.
