Celebrating families: Joint decision making in the couple for harmonious families

There was a time when fear lived inside Francine’s home. Her husband, Emmanuel, often beat and insulted her, spent what little money they had on alcohol, and was unfaithful.

Francine felt trapped, unloved, disrespected, and powerless. Even feeding her child was a daily struggle.

“I saw no future,” she recalls quietly. “I stayed because I had nowhere else to go.”

Everything began to change when World Vision Burundi arrived in their village. Through couples’ training, Francine and Emmanuel were introduced to new ways of relating, built on respect, partnership, and shared responsibility. What followed was a gradual but powerful transformation.

The man who once caused her pain began to change. Emmanuel stopped drinking. He became supportive and involved Francine in family decisions. Violence gave way to dialogue, and fear slowly faded into trust.

Today, Francine’s family is thriving. Together, they own farmland, run a small restaurant, and raise livestock. But the greatest change cannot be measured in assets.

“Our home is now full of laughter,” Francine says with a gentle smile. “We plan together, we work together and our children are happy.”