Hope Amid Desperation: Uwimana Patience’s Struggle for a Better Future at Don Bosco Rango TVET School

Rwanda – At Don Bosco Rango TVET School in Rwanda, the journey of Uwimana Patience serves as a powerful reminder of resilience amidst overwhelming adversity. A single mother living with her elderly mother and her infant child, Patience has found a glimmer of hope through her tailoring courses, yet her heart carries the weight of despair as she navigates the harsh realities of her life.

When I met Patience, her eyes reflected a mixture of determination and anguish.

“Our place is in ruins; when it rains, we have to leave the house and seek shelter outside to avoid getting soaked,” she shared, illustrating the dire conditions that force her to flee her own home. The fear of rain is just one of many burdens she bears as she wrestles with the uncertainty of her family’s future.

While Patience is diligently learning tailoring skills at school, her thoughts often drift to her daily struggles. “It’s difficult for us to eat,” she disclosed. After attending classes, she hustles to find work, washing dishes, fetching water, and cleaning, earning just enough to provide for herself, her baby, and her mother—who suffers from a chronic, incurable illness. “Every penny goes toward our survival,” she said, her voice trembling as she expressed the overwhelming pressure she faces.

Patience’s story is compounded by the broader context of challenges facing Rwandan youth.

As of January 2024, Rwanda’s population stands at approximately 14.25 million, reflecting a 2.3% increase from the previous year.

According to 2022 statistics, around 64.5% of the country’s population relies on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood.

Yet despite these statistics, poverty remains a critical issue; the World Bank estimates that Rwanda’s poverty rate was 48.4% in 2024, a minor decrease from 2023, with projections to reduce to 47.0% by 2026.

These economic challenges are further exacerbated by high unemployment rates and limited access to quality education and job opportunities for the youth.

Although Patience recognizes the potential of her sewing courses, her mind is often clouded with worry about her mother’s health and the responsibilities of caring for her child.

“These courses may help me, but I can’t stop thinking about how to provide for my family,” she confessed, revealing the heartbreaking conflict between pursuing her education and meeting immediate needs.

Patience’s story is emblematic of the struggles faced by many young people in Salesian Centres who seek education while grappling with dire circumstances.

The organization relies on the generosity of donors to support students like Patience, but countless challenges still lie ahead.

Graduates often lack the resources needed to secure a stable livelihood and create a better future for themselves.

In light of Patience’s urgent situation, we invite compassionate individuals to step forward and help transform her life. This season of giving presents an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those who are desperately seeking a way out of their struggles. Your support has the potential to alleviate Patience’s burdens, providing her not only with the tools for a sustainable future but also instilling hope for her and her family.

If you are willing to extend a helping hand to Patience and others like her, please reach out to us at contact@aglpdo.org. Together, we can help lift the pain of desperation and empower individuals to rise above their circumstances, illuminating the path to brighter days ahead.