Meet Veliria, a Rwandan woman living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. She takes care of her husband, her ill mother, and seven children, yet only three are biologically hers.
Veliria has taken in four foster children. They range from 4 to 12 years, have varying degrees of disabilities, and all rely on Veliria for clothing, food, shelter and compassion.
She provides for her large family in a one bedroom home by doing agricultural fieldwork. Veliria used to offer tailoring services for her neighbors, but was forced to stop when her sewing machine broke.
This resilient woman receives no additional assistance for her family, yet she persists day in and day out. “My faith tells me that I am meant to take care of these kids,” she says, “and that is what it means to be good.”
We wanted to do something to help, and the answer was clear….
A sewing machine! That was her idea for change. With the sewing machine, she can make and repair clothes for her family and sell and tailor new clothes for her community.
The new sewing machine is a new start for Veliria, a woman who deserves a little boost to help her continue being the incredible Changemaker that she is.
