Tuyisenge’s journey of overcoming limitations and embracing empowerment
It was just the perfect weather when we arrived in Rulindo district. We met Tuyisenge at a bus stop. He walked towards us and greeted us with a very big smile! The feeling was like that of old friends reconnecting though it was our first time to meet.
Tuyisenge graciously led us to his tailoring business, offering insights into his world before inviting us to sit. As he began sharing his testimony, it unfolded as proof to resilience and empowerment.
Tuyisenge is married and has a 3-year-old daughter. Tuyisenge got a sponsor for his primary education and another one for his secondary education. However, his life became worse after completing his studies. All his peers were getting jobs in construction and the like, and he felt extremely left out.
Born into a family of five in Rulindo district, Tuyisenge faced adversity from a young age. He has had a disability since he was a baby. He fell into a peat fire. A severe burn accident at nine months left the left side of his body disfigured, shaping his journey from limitation to empowerment.
Navigating the challenges of education with a disability proved difficult for Tuyisenge. Enduring harassment from peers, he contemplated dropping out.
He said: "I received a lot of harassment from kids at school because of my disability. I did not feel like I belonged in society and always thought of dropping out of school."
Sponsorship carried him through primary and secondary education, yet life after studies posed new challenges. Job opportunities eluded him, leading to a period of despair where he questioned the purpose of his existence.
He said, "I felt like there was nothing for me to do. I began to think that it was better for me to die than to live a useless life."
Fortunately, a friend intervened, suggesting tailoring as a skill. With the friend's financial support, Tuyisenge acquired the necessary training, though a poverty mindset still constrained him.
World Vision’s Buliza Youth Empowerment Project, became the catalyst for Tuyisenge's transformation. He attended sessions of training on business and life skills. These trainings shattered his poverty mindset, instilling the belief that wealth creation was within his grasp.
He said, "I learned that no one was born to be rich or poor. I learnt that I too, could make wealth. I quit disguising little money when it came to saving. I began saving first and spending what was left instead of the other way around."
In addition to the mindset transformation, Tuyisenge received a start-up kit for his tailoring business as well as some money to buy livestock, from World Vision.
Life took a very positive turn for Tuyisenge as he began implementing all the life lessons and business knowledge acquired from WV's training.
He was able to pay for himself to advance his tailoring skills. As a result, his business thrived and he felt financially empowered to not only provide for himself but also provide for a family. He got married and had a child. He bought land and built his home.
"It makes me happy that I can take care of any financial need in my home or from my siblings. I also have dreams and plans of providing solutions in my community by expanding my business to serve both men and women with very good clothes. They will no longer have to travel to shop for clothes, I will bring them close to them." He expressed with a grin and smile on his face.
Beyond personal success, Tuyisenge emerged as a passionate advocate for the rights of People with Disabilities (PWD). Utilizing every available platform, he raises awareness about their vulnerabilities and limitations while advocating for inclusive access to development opportunities. Tuyisenge actively encourages PWD to form or join saving cooperatives and acquire skills, empowering them to enhance their lives.
By: Mary Umutoni, Donor Liaison Specialist