Weaving to prosperity

Clementine Tuyisenge, 26, felt like it was the “end of the world” when she became pregnant two years ago and the prospective father disappeared. She was attending Centre Marembo when it happened, and she has since been trained up as one of the centre’s five weavers. She makes beautiful bowls and earrings to be sold. She and the other girls have set up their own co-operative in the sector of Nyarusange, Muhanga, outside Gitarama. Tuyisenge now makes enough money from weaving to live happily with her one-year-old son, Bless, in the village.She also teaches other people living nearby the skills she has learnt. Another family for Clement Clement Habimana, 16, joined Centre Marembo four years ago after a breakdown in his family. His father married for a second time and his step-mother allowed her children to attend school but told Clement that he must guard the family’s cow instead. He decided to take to the streets and was found by Centre Marembo workers in Kisimenti who took him in. “When I lived with my family I didn’t study but now I’m at school and have a good life,” Clement said.He is now the top of his class at school. Centre Marembo co-ordinator Nicolette Nsabimana said, “I am very happy with his progress. He is doing very well at school and is someone who is able to organise others.” Clement said that, “I would like to stay at Umongongo House to support other people who don’t have anything. “In the house we are one family, I love everyone who lives there.” Ends