I am 35 years old and come from Shabunda. I just managed to finish 2nd grade of primary school. My parents preferred I stayed home watching over my little sisters and brothers.
Back in 2005 my village was attacked by the Interahamwe. When we heard them coming, I managed to escape into the forest with my husband and our 5 children. Unfortunately they found us, and this time it was my husband wo run away. Four men raped me and killed my two eldest sons, 10 and 12 years old back then. They took us into the forest and had me captured for four days. I managed to escape, and decided to come to Bukavu by foot, with my remaining children.
I have never heard back from my husband, I don’t know if he is back in our village. I deffinetely don’t want to go back there, I feel much safer in Bukavu. And I don’t want to get into another relationship either.
I work every day except Sunday’s, selling rice in the market. For example, I can make $2 profit by selling 25 kilos. But it will take me two days to empty that bag.
Last Saturday we went to Panzi Hospital with all the other women after the seminar on aids. It was the first time I ever got treated and had my HIV test done. I will be collecting the results during this week. I hope everything is well, I need to keep up with good health and work hard to be able to send my children to school. I dream of having my own business one day, by selling the rice independantely and making more profit. I buy the rice at a very high price, but unfortunately I don’t have the means to buy it in bigger quantities.
Me at the Aids seminar
