{Grace Mukantwari is an exemplary young survivor of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi and a member of the Umucyo (“Light” in Kinyarwandan) co-op, a group of 14 women that stitch unique accessories for local sales and a US based business partner Noonday Collection.}

After the death of her father who was slaughtered by the government-supported militia (Interahamwe), Grace’s mother realized she had only one choice to protect and save her children’s life which was to flee Kigali.

With her two-year-old son on her back and holding six-year-old Grace’s hands as they ran, they fled to Kibuye/ Rubengera in the refugee camp of course on foot like most Tutsis who were in the country.

Due to Genocide consequences, Grace did not manage to pass the national examination for secondary schools, “and my mom had no more means of paying my school fees since my mom was even struggling to keep us hungry but alive.” Grace speaking to us; she therefore decided to do something since her mother who was responsible for the family fell sick and there was no one else to sustain their lives.

As she was walking by the streets in Kimihurura, she happened to hear of a sewing training and she joined it. They trained for six months and then started sewing; “That was a big chance to me. Since we started partnering with Noonday Collections my life has changed significantly. I was able to renovate our house at home, get running water in our compound, take my mom to the hospital and so many more.”

When Grace opted for this profession while her former classmates were mocking and laughing at her saying they do not deserve to do that poor job as high school graduates. But she made her mind to use her power instead of taking on other bad behaviors which result to many risks. Grace in a smiling face she told us that she is happy with her profession regardless of how people perceive it.

“Most of the times, people go for unethical behaviors because of lack of jobs or neglecting some types of jobs. Now I find my dignity here though I have no high school certificate, I’m determined and all the powers lie in me.” This conviction has done a lot for Grace and will make her achieve many more as she says. The classmates who were laughing at her have started to respect her and some of them wish to get the same chance too.

Grace advices everyone to use their hands try to attain the best all the time as she always tries to bring out perfect products for Noonday Collections and other clients. Grace also expresses her thankfulness to Noonday Collections which has been helping them in unlocking her potentials and other colleagues they work together in Urufunguzo rw’Umucyo sewing co-operative which is going to receive a team of American Bloggers and their products ambassadors from the U.S in this coming month from July 12th to July 19th

.
{{The article was Written {By UMUTESI Rehema }
A student in Mount Kenya University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mass Media and Communication.}}