The Strength of Community: Espérance and Sifa
In a small village in Rwanda, the midday sun casts its glow over the land. Goats wander along the dusty roads, children’s laughter rings in the distance, and the scent of woodsmoke lingers in the air. Outside a house, a group of women sits together, their vibrant fabrics fluttering in the breeze.
Among them is Espérance, the mother of Sifa, a young girl with a disability. Espérance wears a bright yellow dress, her short hair neatly tied up. Her smile is warm and welcoming, but her eyes hold a story that goes beyond the surface.
Espérance speaks proudly of Sifa, who now attends school and receives support from the community. But it hasn’t always been this way. Not long ago, the same community that now embraces them, kept them at a distance—trapped by stigma and old beliefs surrounding disability.
Isolation and Struggle
Espérance remembers the years of loneliness and hardship. In her village, deeply rooted cultural and religious traditions led many to believe that disabilities were a form of divine punishment or even witchcraft. Families like hers often found themselves isolated.
For a long time, Espérance and Sifa rarely left their home. Without access to education, Sifa’s world was confined to four walls. With the full-time care of her daughter, Espérance was unable to work and struggled to make ends meet. Medical care was out of reach, and the weight of their situation felt unbearable.
Then, everything changed.
Through the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) program, run by Sisters Inshuti z’Abakene and supported by Liliane Fonds, local field workers began visiting families like Espérance’s. Trained with the support of Liliane Fonds, they work to identify children with disabilities and ensure families receive the help they need—breaking the cycle of isolation.
A Lifeline: The Parents Support Group
At the field worker’s suggestion, Espérance joined her village’s Parents Support Group, a community of parents who face similar challenges. Here, she found not only emotional support, but also practical solutions. Parents share experiences, encourage one another, and find strength in their shared journey.
Together, they also started a savings initiative. Every month, members contribute a small amount, allowing them to take turns accessing loans—whether for medical expenses, school fees, or small business ventures.
As we chat with Espérance, Sifa comes over and tugs at her mother’s hand, eager to show us something. Behind their home, a black-spotted pig snuffles through the hay. “I was able to buy this thanks to a loan from the parents’ group”, Espérance explains. “By raising piglets, I can earn an income and support my family.”
Breaking Barriers, Building Communities
The real impact of the Parents Support Group goes far beyond financial help. Through community training, attitudes toward disability are beginning to shift. Stigma is gradually fading. More children with disabilities are attending school, and families feel increasingly comfortable bringing them to social gatherings.
Espérance has seen firsthand how much her community has changed. Neighbours now step in to help—whether by assisting with farm work or looking after one another’s children. “The way our community has embraced us gives me hope,” she says. Determined to give back, she adds, “With my rehabilitation training, I will now help other children and families in similar situations.”
Espérance’s journey is proof that change is possible. Her story shows how the CBR approach doesn’t just transform the lives of children with disabilities—it strengthens entire communities.
With your support, we can train even more field workers, ensuring that no child with a disability is left behind. Will you help us build a more inclusive future?