SAME SKY ARTISAN: CLEMANTINE NYIRAHABIMANA

Clemantine is an original member of SAME SKY’s inaugural project in Kigali, where started crocheting handmade jewelry in 2008.

Before working for SAME SKY, Clemantine was struggling to rebuild her life after the Rwandan Genocide. Clemantine and her child were very ill, and she had lost her husband during the war. She was given free HIV medication, but could not afford the hot food needed to take the medicine.

Today, Clemantine is able to pay for her family’s health insurance, pay her rent on time and cover school expenses for her brother as he completes his secondary education. Her health has drastically improved because she says she is happier and has been able to support her child. She has even opened up a bank account and saves her money to pay for health costs and school fees, she has even enrolled herself in school! Clemantine is respected in her community for her hard work and feels uplifted and secure since she began crocheting bracelets.  In 2012 SAME SKY received news that Clemantine’s white blood cells have gone up, yet again!

Clemantine’s Message to SAME SKY customers:  “I thank them for wearing the SAME SKY bracelet. I pray for them […] When they succeed I succeed.”