A glance at her crochet items, it’s quite easy to note that her work is more than simply getting work done. Her crocheted attires from sweaters, scarves, tied up headbands to hats and cowls; all have a signature finishing touch.

Looking at these items, it’s hard to believe they are all made by hand. The skill, design and time taken to make them is worth appreciating.

Christine Manamfasha has been doing crocheting for as long as she could remember. The 27-year-old said doing her best everyday helps her feel satisfied and fulfilled in everyday life.

To an ordinary person, she said it may be just an art or a pass time activity, but to her, it means everything as crochet has been therapeutic for her and has helped keep her keep her mind off a lot of issues.

Manamfasha clad in scarves she makes from the yarn. Photos: Courtesy.

Crochet is a process of creating textiles by using a crochet hook to interlock loops of yarn, thread   or strands of other materials.

Growing up as an orphan

During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Manamfasha was a toddler and how she survived remains a mystery to her, and that even the names she has now were given to her by a lady who rescued her.

She narrated that up to now she has no idea if she had or rather have parents nor siblings who survived.

"From what I have been told, I was rescued from Rubavu District near Gisenyi by a good Samaritan who later took me to an orphanage called Imbabazi in Rubavu District western province, a place where I have spent my entire life,” she said.

She said she grew up there and was fortunate enough to learn computer science at high school level. Besides, she has a certificate in cooking. After the said orphanage closed she moved in with a family member from her church who was a widow with 4 children.

Manamfasha is thankful to the lady as she was the one who saw her through her high school diploma. Unfortunately, she died a few months before she could sit for her national exam.

"After losing the person who was a mother and everything to me, life took a wrong turn and the only option I had was to move in with a friend from the orphanage who had a new family,” she said.

some of the products Manamfasha makes from yarn. 

She noted that after trying out different businesses in vain, she resorted on crocheting, the skills she had acquired in the orphanage, adding that she was passionate about the skill but hadn’t gotten an opportunity to try out fully.

Like a big rock and small hammer, she keeps chipping at it although it isn’t easy and has not yet made many steps. Her income is also still low because of a limited client list.

"Making crochet items for others gives me a sense of peace. It gives me a livelihood knowing that I am alive now because God wanted me to and I live with hope and courage despite not knowing my roots,” she said.

Moving forward, she hopes to use her skills to help those who are underprivileged just like her since she understands how it feels like to be an orphan.

"I think of street children, vulnerable single mothers and poor orphans. Because others helped me, I want to pass on the blessings. When things get better in the near future, I already have a plan to teach 5 girls in a project called Let the Little Children ‘Come to Me in Huye,” she added.

For the young generation out there, Manamfasha said that they should never give up in life despite their background and challenges, at the end of the day, there is life at the end of the tunnel especially if you trust in God.