A few years ago I thought that was impossible. Now, it seems possible.

I have known Cards from Africa for a few years now and walking into their building on the outskirts of Kigali is always a great experience, the whole building buzzes with busy card makers who clearly enjoy coming to work. They currently employ over 50 card makers all of whom have a story to tell.

The organisation only employs orphans aged between 18 and 24, prioritising those who have children to look after. They take a holistic approach to their work. They train their employees in finance (savings) and English language skills. They further support their work force by employing a full time counsellor. The idea is that once employees reach 24 they will be fully prepared to find alternative employment or set up businesses of their own.

Florence is a great example of the positive effect Cards from Africa has had on the local community.

Just a few years ago, Florence barely had enough money to support herself, her niece and her infant son. Now, not only does she provide for their daily needs, she is even saving for their future.

When she was only ten years old, Florence lost her parents, two little sisters and a grandmother to the 1994 genocide, she had to look after herself.

At eleven, Florence found a job as house help where she discovered she had a half-sister living nearby. They immediately hit it off and decided to live together and support one another. For a few years things seemed brighter, but in 2002 Florence’s sister fell ill and died because they did not have enough money to see a doctor.

Florence felt the crushing weight of the loss of her sister. She took her niece as her own daughter, but she felt that she had no reason to hope or dream. She struggled to pay rent and buy food, and each day was full of anxiety.

In 2006, Florence joined Cards from Africa. With a steady income, she no longer worried about whether she could buy food that day, or even the next week or month. Slowly, she has begun to save.

Florence says: “I am grateful for Cards from Africa. Not only do we have enough for today, but we have enough for tomorrow. Now, I don’t just want to have enough to survive, but I want to have a brighter tomorrow. I am saving money so that my son and niece can attend university. A few years ago I thought that was impossible. Now, it seems possible.”

If you would like to support people in very similar situations to Florence you can donate by clicking here alternatively you can purchase a card by visiting their website http://cardsfromafrica.com