Providing health care to 1000s in Bujumbura slum

Today, my heart is full. I welcomed my beautiful baby into the world at the Friends Women’s Association (FWA), and I cannot express how thankful I am.

From the moment I arrived late on the last stage, the Nurse received me with kindness, patience, and professionalism. They stayed by my side, encouraged me, and made me feel safe. Their care was not just medical — it was emotional, human, and full of love.

Holding my baby for the 3rd  time reminded me how precious life is. I am going home healthy, my baby is healthy, and my spirit is filled with gratitude.

To all the FWA team: thank you for the dignity, the compassion, and the strength you give to women every day. You are a blessing.

May every woman be supported the way I was.

“This loan helped me build my own capital to purchase charcoal stoves (Imbabura). Before receiving the loan, I used to obtain goods on credit and repay the supplier after selling them, which caused me a lot of stress.

Since receiving the loan, I am able to buy my stock in cash, manage my business more calmly, and plan my sales better. I no longer worry about pressure from suppliers, and my business is more stable. This has improved my confidence and reduced stress in my daily work.”

“My name is Anitha, and I am a member of the savings group TUZAMUKE. In August, our group was recognized as one of the best performers and received a loan of 5,600,000 BIF from FWA, and I personally received 2,000,000 BIF. This was an incredible opportunity for me and my family.

Before receiving the loan, I struggled to grow my small food business, where I sell rice, beans, potatoes, bananas…. With this financial support, I was able to buy new materials and improve my business operations.  Already, I see more customers and higher sales because having more goods attracts more customers.

In just three months, I have seen a remarkable change. My business is growing, my confidence has increased; this progress gives me hope and motivates me to repay the loan on time.

“I grew up in a family that was separated because of ethnic conflict. My father’s family convinced him to leave my mother because of her ethnic group. My two sisters and I were taken to live with my father’s family. Life there was very difficult, and we lived in extreme poverty. Later, my father also left us.

Because I grew up without love, care, and protection, I felt rejected and hopeless. At the age of 14, I entered into a relationship in order to forget my pain, and I became pregnant. Being pregnant at such a young age was very traumatic for me. People told me that I would not manage and that my life was over. With no other option, I was forced to go and live with the man who became my husband. We lied about my age and said that I was 18.

I became a mother while I was still a child myself. My husband treated me badly and abused me. Because I had nowhere else to go, I stayed and endured the situation.

During the same period, my mother was diagnosed with cancer and died a few months later. Her death deeply affected me. I was shocked and confused, and I attended her funeral as if I were watching a movie. I could not cry because the pain was too heavy.

When I participated in the trauma healing training, I began to understand what had been happening inside me. I realized that I had kept all my pain deep in my heart, and it was slowly destroying me. I recognized the symptoms of trauma in my life. This workshop helped me look inside myself, share my story, and begin my healing journey.”

• FWA_DECEMBER_2025_NARRATIVE_REPORT.doc (DOC)