My name is Yvette Uwimana, and I am honored to serve as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer in Rulindo District, specifically in Masoro Sector, Shengampuri Cell, Nyabinyana Village. My journey here is rooted in a mission of community-driven development, working closely with local people to identify and address their most pressing needs. With a background in empowering women, I am deeply passionate about sustainable development and ensuring that communities can take charge of their futures.
When I first arrived in Nyabinyana Village, I knew my mission: to work hand-in-hand with the community to find sustainable solutions to their most critical challenges. I believe that development must come from within, so I immediately set out to engage with local leaders, youth, women’s groups, and other key stakeholders. Through open discussions and collaboration, my goal was to foster a sense of ownership over the projects we would implement, ensuring that long after my time here, the village would continue to benefit from these efforts.
It became clear early on that agriculture is the lifeblood of Nyabinyana Village. Nearly every household depends on farming, and the dedication of the people to their land is unwavering. Yet, despite their hard work, many farmers face challenges that limit their agricultural productivity and sustainability. I spent my first few weeks immersed in conversations with farmers, listening to their experiences, struggles, and hopes for the future.
What emerged was a common thread—a desire to increase crop yields and diversify farming practices to improve both income and food security. One crop, in particular, sparked the interest of many farmers: passion fruit. Growing this high-value crop presented an exciting opportunity to tap into new markets and increase household income.
Armed with this knowledge, I turned my attention to supporting the community’s aspirations for passion fruit cultivation. Together, we began planning for nursery beds to grow seedlings and explored ways to improve farming techniques. My role is not just to provide resources, but to work alongside the community to build capacity, share knowledge, and ensure that solutions are sustainable.
This journey is about more than just planting crops—it’s about planting seeds of empowerment and resilience. The people of Nyabinyana Village are strong and capable, and my mission is to support them in realizing their potential. By working together, we are creating a future where the community can thrive, be independent, and be confident in their abilities to overcome challenges.
As I continue my time in this village, I remain committed to the idea that true development comes from within. The solutions we create will be driven by the community, for the community, ensuring that the impact of this work extends far beyond my service as a Volunteer.
Thank you!!