Cards from Africa

Cards from Africa was set up in Rwanda to care for young adults and teenagers who had been orphaned, offering rehabilitation and support for those who were barely surviving and often traumatised. Some of them watched their parents die in the genocide, others lost parents and other family members to AIDS or other diseases. 

Making cards offers them a way of earning a stable income in a supportive environment, allowing them to rebuild their lives and look to the future. Stability means a home, good food and family, it means being able to pay for the things you need and save money for the future. 

Faida's grandmother died when she was still a child and she was left with three younger siblings to look after. She dropped out of primary school because she didn't have the money to pay for uniform and materials and often went to bed hungry. Eventually she found her way to Cards From Africa and this changed her life. She enjoys the friendships with other card makers and the steady income has meant she can save money. She is hoping to start her own business some day.