In Rwanda, agricultural-based work for families struggling with poverty often do not provide a sufficient income to meet daily, basic needs. While men are typically engaged in agricultural work, women and girls are often caring for the needs of the entire household, and do not always have an opportunity to receive an education. The inability to read and write can often be a roadblock for women who want to be able to provide further financially for the family. However, CBM’s literacy program provides women those skills needed for more opportunities. Dorcas is one of the participants. She shared that when  she was illiterate, she would feel ashamed and sad.

“I used to isolate myself as I considered myself a useless woman. Everything I wanted to write, I asked my husband or children to help me. When I learned how to read, write and count, my dreams came true. I am proud of myself. I feel the burden lift and I’m free now. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I was blind but now I can see as I’m able to read and write.
I thank God for that.”

Today, Dorcas is an active volunteer at her church, where she is a deacon and choir singer. She has also started her own sewing business, which not only helps generate an income for her family, but has brought dignity and empowerment to Dorcas in a way she had never realized before.