BEATHA

Beatha came out of the genocide both mentally and physically abused. Yet she made sure that she took every opportunity that came her way and is an inspiration for the women in her country. Every morning she asks herself  “ What can I do to further develop myself and the development of my country?”  She is now the main trainer for the SAME SKY artisans. Since working at SAME SKY she has been able to buy the medicine she needs and has paid back most of the loan she borrowed from the bank when she suffered from cervical cancer – another repercussion of the genocide. She feels that having this job at SAME SKY has given her a social standing and a purpose in life. Her dream is to show the world that just because she is a genocide handicap it does not mean she cannot live like everybody else. Beatha is saving up for a better house.

“My work with SAME SKY has led my family to great progress. I can now afford to buy my blood pressure medicine, good clothes and good food for my family.  Also, I have managed to pay off my bank loan. I no longer feel vulnerable. I have hopes for the future and would like to buy a house and a car. I thank SAME SKY for giving us a job. Who gives work, gives life.”

 UPDATE MAY 8th, 2012: “This is what Same Sky’s support means to me: As usual this work helps me in my general daily life, and in particular enables me to buy H.I.V medicine. I used to buy cold food items at a high cost, but I recently was able to buy my own refrigerator, which helps me to preserve other nutritional foods safely. With the next paycheck I expect to repair my chairs and paint my house. If this job continues, I hope to achieve my goal which is to build a nice big house and buy my own car. The money I have received I was able to help bury the bodies of my step family members with dignity who were killed during the 1994 genocide. I was able to pay all the costs related to this activity such as transportation, and other materials such as a coffin. If this activity continues, I could get money to pay costs related to the burial ceremonies of my parents and other relatives who were killed during the 1994 Genocide.

We wish to take this opportunity to express to you how this work has been of great importance to us, it has helped us to overcome painful
times. We cannot miss to thank the first Lady’s assistance and the manner she takes care of orphans, and widows of genocide.  We appreciate her support which has helped us to keep moving forward. We hope that one day we will meet if the program to visit Same Sky is maintained.”