The Daughters of Charity at the side of poor young women in Kigali 

Thanks to Rwanda's strong economic growth in recent years, social progress has helped to reduce poverty in the country. However, major inequalities persist between the capital Kigali and the rest of the country. 
Even in Kigali, the poorest people feel excluded from the vast modernization of the capital: shantytowns are gradually being razed to the ground and inhabitants evicted from their homes. The rural exodus is also adding to the number of poor families looking for work and shelter, while unemployment and inflation are on the rise.

"The economic situation is very weak, there's a lot of unemployment, housing problems, many people live from petty trade to find enough to eat, but there are some who don't have enough to eat. Others look for domestic work with the rich to earn a tiny daily wage." Sr Anastasie

Among the millions of Rwandans living in difficult conditions, young girls who have not had access to education or training are more vulnerable than others. 

"Young girls come to town to earn a living. The work they find is as servants in wealthy families, and most of them risk early pregnancy. Afterwards, they're ashamed to return to their families, and work as prostitutes for a pittance. Sometimes they catch diseases like HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases." Sr Anastasie

Established in Kigali's Nyarugenge district since 1989, the Daughters of Charity are committed to promoting the autonomy of these young women by giving them the means to support themselves through an income-generating activity. 

A dedicated project to protect women from the spiral of prostitution  

The 3 sisters of the Daughters of Charity community in Kigali decided to help 10 women living in prostitution.

"Their aspiration is to find a way to work and get off the streets, which is why we want to help them set up a micro-enterprise or small business." Sr Anastasie

Cutting and sewing workshops, stalls selling clothes and shoes, vegetable and fruit stalls, gargote and coal sales are just some of the activities that will enable them to earn a living.

"The aim for these women is to help them get out of prostitution by creating jobs for them, so that they can regain their self-esteem, dignity and freedom. 
We will follow them in their workplaces and homes, and teach them how to manage their savings. Their children, meanwhile, will no longer go hungry, and will be able to have a home and an education, as well as food, clothing and healthcare." Sr Anastasie

Thank you for supporting these 10 women who want to take their destiny back into their own hands.

With them, thanks to you!