A New Chapter for Patricie’s Family: From Poverty to Greater Self-Reliance

Before being supported by the FXBVillage The Light Foundation (TLF) Project, Nyirantore Patricie’s family was living in extreme poverty, with very limited hope for the future. The household struggled to access health services because it could not afford community-based health insurance. Some of the children were not attending school regularly or had dropped out because the family could not afford school fees and materials.

Food was also a major challenge. At times, the family ate only once a day or even went without food. Their house was in poor condition, with inadequate ventilation causing smoke to fill the interior, while the children slept close to the cooking fire. The family had no reliable income-generating activity and depended mainly on selling agricultural produce whenever it was available.

A New Opportunity

When FXB Rwanda began working in their community, Patricie’s family was selected among households facing some of the greatest challenges. Through the project, Patricie and her family received training in savings and lending, financial management, hygiene and sanitation, nutrition, and mindset change.

The family also received hygiene materials and support to improve food security. Importantly, the project provided a start-up capital for an income-generating activity, alongsidea nutritional support for six months. The family received full support for community-based health insurance, while the children received school materials and support for school-related expenses. This combination of support gave Patricie’s family an opportunity to begin building a more sustainable livelihood.

Turning Support into a Livelihood

Patricie invested part of the start-up capital in livestock, including goats, while another portion was used to start a small trading business. Over time, the family expanded and diversified its sources of income through livestock rearing and agriculture.

Today, the household owns two pigs, one cow, four goats, five chickens and rabbits.

The livestock has become an important part of the family's livelihood. Manure from the animals has helped improve soil fertility and contributed to increased agricultural production. The family is now able to sell part of its harvest and generate additional income.

Through participation in Village savings and lending groups (VSLA), Patricie and her family have also developed stronger saving and financial management practices, helping them plan and invest more carefully for their future.

Better Health, Nutrition and Living Conditions

The transformation has extended beyond income.

The family now has better access to health services and no longer faces the same fear of seeking medical care because of an inability to pay for health insurance. They have also adopted improved hygiene practices, including safe water management, handwashing and proper waste disposal.

Their sanitation facilities have improved, and the family has renovated its house, creating a healthier and safer living environment.

Nutrition has also changed remarkably. From sometimes eating only once a day, the family now eats three times a day and includes vegetables in its meals.

A kitchen garden provides a regular supply of vegetables, while chickens and rabbits provide additional sources of nutritious food. The children are now healthier, more energetic and more motivated to attend school.

Investing in the Next Generation

The project’s impact has also opened new opportunities for Patricie’s children.

School attendance and performance have improved, while some of the older children have acquired practical vocational skills that can help them build independent livelihoods.

Patricie’s eldest daughter received tailoring training and was provided with a sewing machine, which she now uses to generate income. Another son acquired skills in barbering and is also earning an income.

For Patricie, these achievements represent more than new skills—they are opportunities for her children to build a future with greater confidence and independence.

From Beneficiary to Community Leader

The changes within Patricie’s household have also strengthened her confidence and sense of leadership.

Today, she serves as the secretary of her savings group, where she continues to participate in collective saving and financial activities while sharing her experience with other community members.

Her journey has given her not only greater economic confidence, but also the courage to take on a more active role within her community.

“Before FXB Rwanda came, I had no confidence and no clear direction. Today, I have the knowledge and courage to work for my family, save, invest and plan for our future.”
— Nyirantore Patricie

A Future Built on Resilience

Today, Patricie’s family is proud of the progress it has made. Their house has been renovated, their livelihood activities have diversified, their children have greater opportunities, and the household is better able to meet its basic needs.

The journey has not been about a single intervention. It has been about bringing together economic empowerment, nutrition, health, education, hygiene and sanitation, while equipping the family with knowledge and confidence to continue progressing.

Patricie’s family demonstrates how integrated support can help vulnerable households move from survival toward greater resilience and self-reliance. Through the FXBVillage TLF Project, the family has strengthened its livelihood, improved its living conditions, enhanced nutrition and health, and created new opportunities for its children.

As project support comes to an end, Patricie’s vision is to protect the progress her family has made, continue investing in their future and ensure that the household keeps moving forward with the knowledge, skills and confidence it has gained.