Providing health care to 1000s in Bujumbura slum

“I am that woman victim of GBV who wanted and planned to kill my husband. I wasn't lying because I had already tried it for my first husband; it was even said on the radio: I threw hot water on his body and I fled to the DRC country.  I spent 2 years there. They searched me in vain.

This training had a powerful impact in my life. I no longer recognize myself. It was hard to say that I was planning to kill my husband in front of the participants but it freed me. I felt light; little by little I felt the anxiety decreasing.

In front of a painful situation I am surprised to see myself calm and having a sleep. I said to my soul “be calm”; I leaned to talk with my soul. I am surprised that I forgive easily and that bad thoughts are gone.

I won't know how to say thank you because it's a miracle for me I was a Christian but I could not change. I tried to change, I used to give prayer requests but no change happened.  The force of evil was too strong than me. Now I face every difficult situation with joy and hope.”

“This training helped me a lot. In the training I told you that I reached a stage of walking without knowing where I was going and that I was thinking about burning the houses of my community to have peace in my heart but now if you watch me you can see the change without saying anything. Before the HROC workshop, I could not wash myself and wash the clothes you saw it yourself. Now you can see that I am clean.

I didn't know what a sleep was but today it's very difficult for me to wake up. I was always worried and I didn't know peace of heart but now I have peace.

I hated my children I beat them seriously so that I can be imprisoned. I wanted to be imprisoned because I was hated by my husband until I hated myself.

Sincerely I tell you thank you, I had the courage to build a small house where I and my children will live. This will help me to reduce the stress of paying the rent each month.”

• FWA_August_2023_Narrative_Report_Website.doc (DOC)