We love big dreamers like Digne. She was given away as a child because her father did not want her. Her grandmother did her best to care for her until she died when Digne was 10, but they lived in poverty, often lacking the basics. However, this tough start in life did not suppress Digne’s dreams. “We couldn’t afford a sewing machine, but I loved watching tailors create beautiful clothes from large pieces of fabric. Deep down, I always believed I could make my own dress one day.”

Ephraim is another big dreamer. He leads Together for Development (TFD), which has enabled transformation in the lives of thousands of people at risk in the past few years. Be they prostitutes, survivors of trafficking, single mothers or people with disabilities, TFD’s focus is on the marginalised, aiming to give them a fresh start. The result is beautifully-transformed lives, and a small army of people trained in practical skills such as sewing, shoe-making, and farming.

But sometimes solving one problem creates another – namely that of employment. Burundi’s textile industry is minimal, and as more and more people learn the skill of sewing, there will be limited opportunities to earn a living from it. When a group of sewing graduates came to Ephraim and asked for help to set up their own business, it sparked an idea. ‘What if we could kick-start Burundi’s textile industry?’ 

Keen to facilitate their enthusiasm, Ephraim offered a room in his own property and gave them some equipment to get started. Aurelie, the manager of the young business, has suffered from a painful chronic muscle condition her whole life which has limited her opportunities. She recalls:

“However bad things were for me,  there was one thing for sure that the illness could not do: take away my passion for designing and creating things.”

Aurelie

 “We wanted to design products using Kitenge – a traditional piece of material that conveys the richness and beauty of our country.” Kitenge is vibrant printed fabric, sometimes referred to as ‘African print’.  “I want to see more people express themselves through Kitenge designs to promote individuality, creativity, and uniqueness,” she shares. The team started by developing innovative Kitenge bags, with plans to develop clothing and reusable sanitary pads, with a focus on recycled materials.

A key part of TFD’s training is building self-esteem. Cynthia couldn’t complete school due to a lack of money. She reflects,  “For a long time, I underestimated myself and believed that not much would happen in my life. I never dared to dream big.” 

Didacienne also faced extreme poverty whilst growing up. “We faced shortages of basic needs like water, food, and school fees. Also, being a girl brought further challenges, like the need for sanitary pads each month. I vividly recall that money was scarce.” But the sewing classes brought confidence. “I appreciated the teacher’s patience as she guided us through each step of the process. Graduating and receiving a certificate showcasing my qualifications brought me great joy.”

The team has big dreams for the future, “My ultimate goal is to create uniquely styled clothes that can be sold in markets worldwide. I envision a future where I can collaborate with my colleagues, who have become like family…to make a mark here in my country and beyond.” Single mother-of-two Melissa’s life has turned around since she connected  with TFD, and her plans for international impact came sooner than expected – a GLO contact enabled the team to showcase their bags at an event in the United Arab Emirates!

Ephraim also has big dreams in the form of the Birashoboka (It is possible) Centre. Currently under construction, this centre will include workshops for sewing and shoe-making. It will also serve as a community centre, with computer and printing facilities, as well as a preschool and cafe, and an agriculture learning hub outside! It will create jobs for more people like Digne, Didacienne and Cynthia, and be a beacon of hope and light amongst this marginalised community.

“I am living my dreams. It’s an inspiring moment for me,” says Digne, “I love designing using leftover materials that might appear insignificant.” The passion to craft beauty from what others may discard is a picture of TFD’s ethos – reaching out to the last, the lost and the least to nurture,  creativity, prosperity and hope.