From Tragedy to Triumph: CMS Africa restores 52 years old widow’s hope
My name is Uwiera Jeannette, and I am a 52-year-old member of the TUMAINI Savings and Credit Association in the CECA 20 community of Oicha, North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. My journey has been shaped by both unimaginable tragedy and profound hope.
Four years ago, my life was forever altered when my husband was killed by ADF NALU rebels in Eringeti. As a widow with eight children—three girls and five boys—I was left grappling with the enormity of our loss and the harsh realities of survival. The rebels’ invasion had forced us to flee, and we found refuge in a classroom where we spent five nights without proper food or shelter. Our situation seemed bleak, and our future uncertain.
Our salvation came in the form of a compassionate Pastor from the CECA 20 community in Oicha. He not only offered us a safe haven but also introduced us to the TUMAINI Savings and Credit Association. This initiative was part of a broader program developed by CMS Africa, which the Pastor had learned about in Beni. Intrigued by the prospect of rebuilding our lives, I decided to join the newly formed savings group.
Every Monday morning at 6 a.m., I attend the association meetings, where I have learned invaluable lessons about love, unity, and self-reliance. The association has become a pillar of hope and support for us, transforming our lives in ways I could hardly have imagined.
Before joining the association, our life was a daily struggle. The rebels’ occupation of our fields meant that our primary source of livelihood was lost. Following my husband’s death, I faced enormous challenges in feeding and caring for my children. However, thanks to the association, we have experienced a turnaround.
Through the support and resources provided by the association, I was able to start a small business selling fish at the Oicha market. This venture has not only provided a stable income but also allowed me to support my eldest son’s education at the Higher Institute of Medical Techniques here in Oicha. Seeing him go through college has been one of the greatest rewards of our journey.
The benefits of the association extend beyond my own family. I have shared my experience with seven other displaced women from Eringeti, who have also joined a new association, and their progress is already promising. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their journeys, just as the Pastor and CMS Africa have contributed to ours.
Today, I can feed my family, provide for their healthcare needs, and support my son’s education without the constant worry that once dominated my life. The TUMAINI Savings and Credit Association has been a beacon of hope, and I am deeply thankful to the Pastor and the entire community for their unwavering support.
Through this association, we have transformed our tragedy into triumph, and we continue to build a brighter future, one step at a time.
Four years ago, my life was forever altered when my husband was killed by ADF NALU rebels in Eringeti. As a widow with eight children—three girls and five boys—I was left grappling with the enormity of our loss and the harsh realities of survival. The rebels’ invasion had forced us to flee, and we found refuge in a classroom where we spent five nights without proper food or shelter. Our situation seemed bleak, and our future uncertain.
Our salvation came in the form of a compassionate Pastor from the CECA 20 community in Oicha. He not only offered us a safe haven but also introduced us to the TUMAINI Savings and Credit Association. This initiative was part of a broader program developed by CMS Africa, which the Pastor had learned about in Beni. Intrigued by the prospect of rebuilding our lives, I decided to join the newly formed savings group.
Every Monday morning at 6 a.m., I attend the association meetings, where I have learned invaluable lessons about love, unity, and self-reliance. The association has become a pillar of hope and support for us, transforming our lives in ways I could hardly have imagined.
Before joining the association, our life was a daily struggle. The rebels’ occupation of our fields meant that our primary source of livelihood was lost. Following my husband’s death, I faced enormous challenges in feeding and caring for my children. However, thanks to the association, we have experienced a turnaround.
Through the support and resources provided by the association, I was able to start a small business selling fish at the Oicha market. This venture has not only provided a stable income but also allowed me to support my eldest son’s education at the Higher Institute of Medical Techniques here in Oicha. Seeing him go through college has been one of the greatest rewards of our journey.
The benefits of the association extend beyond my own family. I have shared my experience with seven other displaced women from Eringeti, who have also joined a new association, and their progress is already promising. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their journeys, just as the Pastor and CMS Africa have contributed to ours.
Today, I can feed my family, provide for their healthcare needs, and support my son’s education without the constant worry that once dominated my life. The TUMAINI Savings and Credit Association has been a beacon of hope, and I am deeply thankful to the Pastor and the entire community for their unwavering support.
Through this association, we have transformed our tragedy into triumph, and we continue to build a brighter future, one step at a time.