Violet

18 Years Old
Lives in Boneza, Rwanda
Student at Kivu Hills Academy

Violet is an 18 year old Junior at Kivu Hills Academy. Studying Tourism and Hospitality, she hopes to become a tour guide one day. She has been described as having “a shadow of hope in her eyes that seems to pierce through your soul.” Violet saw hardship at a very young age, but has courageously faced the life set before her.

Violet is the first born, and has 3 siblings. Her father was in prison since she was 5 years old, and he was released just a few years ago. Meanwhile, Violet’s mother was left with a big responsibility to take care of them by herself. Growing up with her mother and 3 siblings, life hasn’t come easy. Violet’s mother tried her best to earn an income and provide for her children, but even the neighbors taunt them about their state of poverty. Violet vividly remembers nights that they went to bed hungry and days when she attended school on an empty stomach. Some days she would go play with neighboring children, giving her a chance to share a meal.

Violet used to work on a construction site and carry bricks to earn 100 francs (about $0.01) which she saved to buy books. Because of her family’s impoverished state, the government paid for her schooling. Violet remembers many days that she had no access to soap to clean her school uniform, causing her to miss classes. Violet considered dropping out of school because problems at home were interfering so much.

Constantly struggling, Violet’s family couldn’t afford medical insurance. Learning that she had to provide for herself, Violet used to work during her school vacation. Working for her deputy principal, she handled various chores and babysitting which secured her about 2000 francs per month ($2.00) which she would use to buy scholastic materials.

After she graduated from senior three, Violet couldn’t see a future for her education. However, she recalls a glimpse of hope one Sunday morning during a church service. There was an announcement that Arise Rwanda Ministries wanted to sponsor vulnerable students in the community to go to school. Violet was quickly voted on the list of the poorest children in Boneza, giving her a chance to attend Kivu Hills Academy. This particular Sunday came as an answer to her prayer.

Violet is now enjoying her studies and has hope of excelling in life. When asked how life has changed after joining KHA, Violet mentioned without hesitation that “I now get food! Three meals a day at the right time. I never have to worry anymore where food is going to come from”. Violet is hoping for a sponsorship, giving her the opportunity to peacefully concentrate on her studies without thinking about problems at home. The sky is no longer the limit for Violet and what she will achieve!