My name is Iteriteka Claire, and my journey began in the vibrant city of Gitega, where I was born and raised. My life has been shaped by the absence of my father, who left my mother just before my birth, leaving a gap I have felt throughout my life. Growing up, I lived with my loving grandmother. This resilient woman nurtured me until I reached an age where I was ready to take on the responsibility of caring for my younger siblings, who resided with my mother. Throughout my childhood, I faced hardship and mistreatment because I couldn’t attend school. This made it difficult for me to find work to support my family. With four siblings relying on me, I made the painful decision to sacrifice my education to ensure they could pursue theirs. I took it upon myself to seek out employment, determined to provide for my siblings’ educational needs. In the depths of my struggles, my faith in God remained unwavering. I believe wholeheartedly in His goodness and His ability to provide support in challenging times. When help finally came my way, it arrived through an incredible organization called Together for Development, which I learned about through a helpful friend who assisted me in registering for a sewing class. I managed to gather some funds for the training by doing small-scale sewing projects, like mending clothing for friends and neighbors. Returning home to share the news of my acceptance into the sewing class was a moment of profound pride for me. As I began to learn the art of sewing, I felt a sense of fulfillment and joy. Every day, I prioritize acquiring new skills, eager to improve my craft. Although I find making trousers particularly challenging, I am steadily making progress, driven by my desire to use this talent to generate an income and support my family. The only significant hurdle I face is obtaining fabric. Still, with my mother’s unwavering encouragement, I know we can conquer this challenge together. While the shirts I create don’t fit my siblings, my mother and I decided to take a proactive approach and sell them at the local market. It’s a small but meaningful step toward our financial independence. I cannot express enough gratitude to Together for Development for their incredible support of our community in Gitega. Many individuals and families are in desperate need of assistance, and it is rare to find those willing to lend a helping hand. May God bless you for your selfless efforts to uplift our community. Please continue to inspire and bless others with your acts of kindness and generosity.

I, Nizigiyimana Denise, was born in the scenic province of Mwaro, nestled within the commune of Ndava, in 1990. My father had two wives and fathered eight children, but today, only three of us remain. I have the unique position of being the sole child of the second wife, which meant I grew up in relative solitude. By the time I came into the world, all my older sisters had already married, leaving me to navigate my formative years without their companionship. I am profoundly grateful to the organization Together for Development. Ephraim and his wife have been incredible blessings in my life, providing invaluable training to me and my colleagues without charging us a single franc. Their generosity has made a significant impact on our futures. I pray that God bestows His blessings upon everyone who contributed to this worthwhile project, as He alone understands how to reward each person according to their kindness and hard work. I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation for Madame Apotre Pascal, who has been a nurturing figure in our lives, embodying the love and support of a wonderful mother.

A home is more than just a shelter; it's a fortress of stability and security. Building homes equips families with a sense of permanence, providing a foundation upon which dreams can flourish. The security of having a place to call one's own fosters a transformative sense of empowerment, instilling confidence and a belief in brighter futures. Michael is from Nyanza Lac, South of Burundi. He is 23 years old, and is the sole caretaker of his 6 brothers and Sisters. "My parents abandoned my siblings and I; my father first in 2013, then our mother in 2017 who left us on the streets.I took on the responsibility of taking care of my brothers and sisters because it was the right thing to do, as they were much younger than me. I joined Together for Development sewing program January 2024 with a heavy burden, I lived a life of fear and anxiety. There were days I could not focus on the training because my mind was too occupied with the worry of finding proper shelter for my siblings. I was told to pray and trust that the Lord would provide a way where there seems no way. And indeed He did! I graduated on 4th of May 2024 and I joined an association for tailors in Nyanza-Lac right after. With Glo funds for House Initiatives, Together for Development supported my family to build a house. I have so much joy, knowing my family have protection and that they can rest peacefully as they continue their studies. Thank you so much Glo for supporting our House Initiative Project. We urge you readers,supporters,and partners to continue praying for the homeless in Nyanza-Lac, Ruhororo etc.., that God will make a way possible so that no child is abandoned or forgotten. Our hope is that families stay unified despite the challenges they face, because they believe and trust that God is for them and is working through people like us to remind them of this truth.

"Freedom at Last" My name is Vedaste living in Nyanza Lac, south of Burundi. “ I have a emotional wound that I am in the process of being transformed". Vedaste's relationship with his father is a rocky kind which he desires to see it being mended, by God’s grace. “There were words spoken over me that was hurtful, and truth be told it is quite hard to forgive him most especially because it was around the time when my mother went to be with the Lord. It didn’t take long for him to remarry, and when he did I was sent to live with my grandparents. I was the youngest in my family and the only boy.” “Aside from the complications that come with long distance relationship amongst families, my father somehow forgot who I was and it really hurt me. Some believe he was potioned by my stepmother who from the beginning did not like me. I remember visiting him once and my grandfather asked him, “do you know who this boy is?,.. he is your son”, my father walked away without acknowledging me and it broke me. I remember going home crying. I travelled around the country, searching for comfort and a sense of belonging. I even travelled to Tanzania which was a silly decision I made because I was young and ignorant. It was quite a challenge living there because I could not acquire a job. I walked back to Burundi, and it took three days; my legs were so swollen and I was beyond exhausted.” “I started participating in the music industry, deejaying to circular music, while also engaging in relationships with women, however I was paranoid and on occasions thought people wanted to kill me. There was such a void in me, that I was now desperate in search for peace.” I joined the mosque but I saw they practiced uncommon rituals and I was uncomfortable. Through the trauma Healing session I was able to confide with a friend about my honest feelings. They encouraged me to pray and attend church. I have never felt so much since! Nowadays I am always laughing and smiling people think I am annoying, but they don’t know who has given that joy. It is God and only Him.

The sky’s the limit We have trained more than 900 people with sewing skills and what a joy it is to see most thriving!,.. Having finished their training, we receive good news daily over the progress of our former trainees. Many have started their own businesses, with great courage they have set up their work stations creating beautiful designs and selling their product to the surrounding communities. The project is firmly established, to train girls, women, and other vulnerable people such as people living with HIV/AIDS,unemployed youth on the use of sewing machine. It is such adamant joy to see their hard-work payoff, and be put to good use. My Name is Esperance Nikobamye. I joined Together for Development in 2022 as trainee of the sewing programme. I have contracted HIV as a result of of sexual abuse when i was a young girl. I do not want to stress on it much , because it can be depressing at times, however I know that God is good all the time no matter what. And I trust in Him always. Today I can testify of His faithfullness. I graduated from the sewing class, and I was appointed the teacher of the same class at the main office. I love teaching the men and women who join the class on how to sew, but to be honest I receive more joy we are able to discuss the word of God and how great is HE is. I am also a part of a project that reaches out to vulnerable women in the world. Together for Development has provided me a platform where I can share my knowledge with others, and expand it too through the training that is undertaken per month. I hope to raise my family from the poverty that beholds our home, while also striving to push the community forward. I was once vulnerable , having endured a lot at a young age but I continue to trust in the Lord for His ways are righteous. Helping women who are struggling with finding a grip on the ground is the path I am passionate about. Thank you Together For Development- Birashoboka, I am honoured.

Audrey was born in 2004 and lost her parents when she was two years old. She endured a lot of hardship and it was really hard to get by. She dropped out of school because she did not want to burden her auntie who she is currently living with.She joined the sewing progrmme operated by Together for Development in January which is ongoing for three months. She will finish the training in April and we cannot wait to see what is in store for her. We trust and believe her future is in good hands, with the skills gained she can do so much . Please put her in your list of prayer and support her to be able to put her skills into practice.

It is possible to help women attain life skills to create jobs for themselves. It is a strategy to protect and help them keep their dignity. TD-BIRASHOBOKA strives to see this possible through our sewing project. The project aims to combat poverty that tackles the most vulnerable in our communities such as the widows, orphans, single mothers etc.. to make a difference in their own lives by empowering them with the skill of sewing. Many have been changed, however the journey is still long in terms of reaching the needs of the community. It requires assets which TD-BIRASHOBOKA is limited with; such as the financial resource and the materials needed for the project. Your contribution will be of great value to serve more vulnerable women and others who are need of our support. She is one of our ladies who is currently attending Together for Development sewing class at the main office and will be graduating April 25th 2024. What a great joy it is to train more than 700 in the last 3 years, who are now able to create a better life for themselves, children and families and as result the community is served.

Gordien is living with disability. Last year 2023, he was trained by Together for Development-Birashoboka organization in his project "Birashoboka Shoe making". When he started, it was like a dream. But now, he can make good sandals and is now capable of selling them together with his group friends also living with disability in Kirwena, Rumonge province, south of Burundi. IT IS POSSIBLE TO CHANGE from poverty to a stable life by learning and applying small life skills!!