Build a business for a woman living in war

Kahindo is 38, and lives in the village of Irango. During the war, her village was attacked by rebels and Kahindo suffered atrocities at the hands of the miltiamen. Unable to support herself and make a living after this, Kahindo felt isolated in her community, she felt worthless. For four years, Kahindo and her husband lived a lonely existence, as no one from either of the families, or their community, would visit them.

Just as Kahindo was losing hope in this loneliness, her luck changed. Staff from CRC arrived in Irango to raise awareness in the community about their work, and what they could do for people whose lives had been damaged by the conflict. Kahindo was sure that CRC would reject her like everyone else had, but as a last resort she approached them anyway. To her delight, they heard her story, and offered her the opportunity to join one of their agricultural cooperatives. In the cooperative she would learn, with other people whose lives had been damaged by the war, how to support herself again and earn a good income.

Working on some land provided by the local chief, Kahindo planted and harvested beans, which she was able to sell for $400 and stock her house with nutritious food. With this new income, Kahindo was able to invest some of her money and buy cocoa seedlings and her own field.

''I thank CRC for the support [they] have given'', she says, ''my social and economic dignity are gradually restored''. Together with her husband, they are now part of the community again, and look after their small farm, which now includes 10 hens, 6 rabbits, and 2 goats.

With your help, CRC can bring joy and security to the lives of many more women like Kahindo.