Do you know who made your kids’ school uniforms?

Xaverine is the answer you will most likely get in Nyamasheke, a remote village in west Rwanda.

The mother of eight taught herself how to use the knitting machine four years ago in the hopes of bringing in additional income to her large family. She has now secured contracts with local schools to knit the blue and white striped sweaters for all the village kids.

Not only does Xaverine support her own family, she wants her business to help the community as well. She has already taken on one apprentice and is looking to expand her business by taking out a new loan and purchasing an additional knitting machine to train more people.



Xaverine says: “I want us women to work together and build a better future for our families!”

She and her husband, who herds goats and grows maize, are currently saving up money to finish building their new home. The government advised them to move from their existing house as it is prone to landslides during the rainy season.



As we walk past Xaverine’s new house that has breath taking views of the land of the thousand hills that is Rwanda, she also tells me about her latest investment – a solar panel the size of an iPad mini on her roof. “This helps me work in the dark and get even more done!”

Back in the car, I can’t stop smiling as Xaverine’s story really moved me – a mum committed to the happiness of her children and a woman empowering others in their quest for independence!