Togetherness Orphans Flourish and Grow

by Kelly Bean

Togetherness Cooperative Leadership Team prays for their community.

Not long ago the 80 orphans of Togetherness Cooperative were street kids. They were unkempt and alone. Now, thanks to the long-time dedication and care of Pastor Steven, the assistance of African Road, and your support, these orphans are in a whole new place. While they still bear the physical and emotional scars of the past, the social disgrace of being without biological family, and a lack of education -  they are now healthier, stronger, motivated, hardworking, and dignified. The orphans belong to a new kind of family, and have become leaders in their community.

Togetherness Cooperative is a shining success story in many ways. But needs remain, most importantly education. Without schooling or vocational training, the orphans will remain subsistence farmers and close to the poverty line. They express a fierce desire to receive basic schooling, and some even dream of attending University. African Road plans to help by starting a sponsorship program for vocational school and English classes.

We and Pastor Steven have spoken often with the youth at Togetherness about generosity. Anything they would receive was freely given, and receiving from others bestows the privilege and responsibility of the same generosity. They were blessed in order to be a blessing. We continue to be thrilled by how they have taken this to heart and made it part of their community DNA. Last year they told us how they’d started a work-day to help widows in their village who needed help with chores.

The Banana Blessing

My Favorite Story

Mature banana plants on Togetherness Cooperative land.

An already mature banana grove was on the land we purchased for the 80 orphans in November. Conditions were right and by early spring there was a bountiful crop of bananas ready to harvest. Bananas are a staple food item in Rwandan meals. They are a valuable crop. When the youth gathered their harvest they remembered their responsibility - they were blessed so that they could be a blessing. They all sat together and discussed the matter. Who were their neediest neighbors? Who could they share bananas with? They came to an agreement and selected the finest bananas of the harvest. Then they bore their generous gift of bananas to those in most need. Their eyes shone as they told us what they had done. We asked them what their neighbors thought and they reported that everyone was very surprised and happy. Who would have thought that lowly orphans would become benefactors in the village?! Then we asked them how it felt to be a blessing. “Very, very good” they beamed.  We believe that with access to good education these young people will become future leaders and people of integrity who will lead Rwanda forward.

Local leaders praised the youth of Togetherness for this innovative contribution to the village. We are impressed with the initiative the older orphans took to start a small business and to care for their neighbors' needs.