I spent 4 days in South Sudan, and I truly cherished the experiences I gained from my travels there. I was fascinated by the way their communities deeply care for one another, how they extend warm hospitality to visitors, their meticulous food preparation techniques, and the profound emphasis on agriculture and animal husbandry within their society. These aspects reminded me of the stories I've heard about Rwandans' way of life back in the 1940s and even earlier. However, the tide of civilization and modernization has dramatically altered everything, including their culture and cherished traditions. This trip felt like a journey back in time to witness the way African communities once thrived.

I had been thoroughly briefed about what to do and what not to do during my stay, given the priority of returning safely to reunite with my family. The country itself presents a challenging environment, as it remains somewhat hostile. Throughout the capital city of Juba, imposing fences encircle properties, public institutions, private organizations, government buildings, and more. These security measures reflect the prevailing sense of unease that permeates the area.

Interestingly, a significant portion of major enterprises in South Sudan is under the ownership of Ethiopians, Kenyans, Ugandans, and even some Rwandans. This phenomenon raises questions about the South Sudanese populace's level of engagement in their country's development.

Of course, it's worth acknowledging the longstanding conflicts between tribes that have persisted for decades, both before and after the country's independence in 2011. The government and its partners have initiated counseling programs aimed at fostering reconciliation among the populace. However, traces of racial discrimination between tribes continue to persist within the society.

To truly address and terminate these conflicts, it becomes imperative for South Sudan to implement comprehensive unity and reconciliation programs. These initiatives should be integrated into every facet of their society—communities, schools, churches, and beyond. By fostering a sense of national cohesion, South Sudanese people can gradually forge a unified identity, ultimately cultivating a sense of safety and security within their homeland.

Issa Uzabakiriho joined the orphanage in 2002 when he was found on a street. His parents had died while they were moving from Uganda to Rwanda, and he left with his older brother. However, his brother didn't get a chance to join him in the orphanage. He was among the kids who were told to look for a family to foster or adopt them. He was sent to a vocational and training school where he spent 2 years learning to weld. When he was young, he wanted to be either a video producer or a music producer, but he didn't get the chance to become one. He makes a living by translating films from English to Kinyarwanda.

After realizing that education is the key to success, Issa went back to school, but paying school fees was very hard for him. With the help of his brothers and sisters from the orphanage, he finished high school and moved from one home to another, searching for someone he could call family. He met a family at the church where he went to pray on Sundays, but it didn't work out. Currently, he is living independently. Issa said, "I faced challenges throughout my life because I didn't have the opportunity to have parents or a guardian who could show me the realities of life. I worked hard, but I wasn't able to find someone who could support me. If the caregivers or the orphanage staff truly cared about us, it wouldn't have been this hard. We would still be connected and receiving advice from them, checking on how we are doing in life. However, I think they prioritized their salaries. What I can tell everyone who gets a chance to read my story is that they have to love and care for every child as if they were their own. You never know what the future holds. Tomorrow, it could be their child or their relatives who need such kind of help, love, or care."

Rwandan military troops depart for Mozambique to help the country combat an escalating Islamic State-linked insurgency that threatens its stability, at the Kigali International Airport in Kigali, Rwanda July 10, 2021.

“Being a mother is love, mercy, happiness, and passion.”

This family of five, consisting of two parents and three children, was engaged in laundry and bathing activities near Lake Kivu in the Rustiro District. The father of the family was handling the laundry, while the wife was washing the children. Curious about their situation, I approached the family and inquired about their activities. The man explained that they lacked access to water at their home. Every day, after toiling on their farm, this family visits the lake to bathe and clean their essential items. Additionally, they collect water from the lake to bring home for cooking, cleaning utensils, and maintaining their household. In the mornings, the mother also accompanies the children to the lake for washing before school.

This family represents just one example among numerous families who are compelled to rely on water from the lake due to the absence of access to clean water alternatives. According to UNICEF Rwanda, 25% of the population still struggles to obtain safe drinking water, while 26% lack proper sanitation facilities. These challenges are particularly pronounced in rural areas.

“I have been asking myself ‘What does it mean to be a mom?’ throughout my life because I didn’t get a chance to see or meet my own mother. In August 2019, I went around asking women the real meaning of being a mom. I asked unmarried mothers, young mothers, and experienced mothers.” Aline Murara, pictured in the first photograph, said that for her “being a mom is love, mercy, happiness, and patience.”

Rwandan military troops depart for Mozambique to help the country combat an escalating Islamic State-linked insurgency that threatens its stability, at the Kigali International Airport in Kigali, Rwanda July 10, 2021.

Christine Mapfasha joined the orphanage in 1997, having moved there from another orphanage where she had resided since 1993 due to the civil war. Her original orphanage was closed down, prompting her transfer. In 2012, she left the orphanage after being informed that she needed to find someone willing to foster or adopt her. With the assistance of a woman from her church, Christine found a new home. While initially enrolled in a vocational and training school to study cooking, her new family supported her in completing her high school education.

However, following the passing of her foster mother, Christine's circumstances changed. She was relegated to the role of a maid and unfairly blamed for her foster mother's death due to perceived carelessness. The unjust treatment prompted her to leave this family permanently. Yet, they compelled her to sign a document stating that she left voluntarily without needing further support. Subsequently, she found refuge with an American missionary who had a prior connection to Roz, a friend of hers. The missionary learned of Christine's story and decided to take her in. Under their care, Christine gradually gained the skills and independence necessary for self-sufficiency.

Currently, Christine supports herself by utilizing her skill in crocheting, a talent she acquired during her early years at the orphanage. She is among the many children who lack information about their family backgrounds, leading the orphanage staff to encourage her to seek adoption or fostering. Drawing from her own experiences, Christine offers advice to prospective foster parents or adoptive families, urging them to make the decision with genuine love and compassion. She shares that it is disheartening to witness the mistreatment some of these children endure after being promised care, affection, and love during their transition from orphanages. Some adoptive parents, she observes, struggle due to the realization of differences or misguided expectations, sometimes even expecting financial compensation for their care.

Christine emphasizes the importance of oversight by orphanage staff and government authorities to ensure the well-being of adopted and fostered children. Their continued involvement is vital in monitoring the treatment and living conditions of these children to safeguard their rights and emotional welfare.

Being an unmarried mother is deciding to take care of your child.

Refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo carry their belongings as they walk near the United Nations High Commission of Refugees (UNCHR) in Karongo Western Part of Rwanda from Kiziba refugee camps as they protest food cuts.

Being a mother is giving birth to a child because they are those women who are not able to go” said Jeanne Uwizeye.

My name is Uwanse Inèse, and at 25 years old, I am a single mother. The history we've lived through led to my family's separation, denying me the chance to experience a mother's presence. As the eldest among my three siblings, I was the only child of my mother; my father, however, had two others from different relationships. I assumed the role of a single mother during my final year of college.

To me, motherhood signifies profound change and transformation — a growth into someone stronger than before. It involves enduring countless challenges and making new choices, all while discovering what truly matters amidst a multitude of needs.

Jean Pierre is an immigrant from Madagascar who arrived in Arles, France decades ago to make a living. Currently, he works at a youth hostel called Auberge de Jeunesse d'Arles.

My name is Thérèse Tuyisenge and I am 21 years old. I am a single mother. I am a high school student in senior six and I am taking math, economics, and computer. I’m living with my parents, my siblings and I have a six year old son. I was in love with a guy while I was still in primary school. I went to high school and in my first year of high school we had sex and I got pregnant. A mother is a little god to a child, a mother is a hero of the child and a mother is a teacher of the child.

Rwandan military troops depart for Mozambique to help the country combat an escalating Islamic State-linked insurgency that threatens its stability, at the Kigali International Airport in Kigali, Rwanda July 10, 2021.

Afissa Usanase is a single mother of a five-month-old baby. She is 19 years old. She said that having a child has changed a lot of her behaviors, such as drinking, smoking, and partying. Her 5-month-old son. She dropped out of school due to her family's economic situation.

“My name is Kodo and I am 24 years old. I have one boy who is three years old. I didn’t have a chance to live with his mom because we had our son when we were very young. She was 20 years old and I was only 21, so I didn’t marry her because our parents said that we are too young for marriage. Today, I have a new girlfriend. It has been almost four years without seeing my son’s mom so I met a new girlfriend. My son’s mom and I used to live in the same village, but she moved to Uganda with her parents after finishing high school while she was pregnant. It was very hard for me to have a kid at 21 without a job and while I was still living with my family but with God’s help I tried to take care of him. I am happy because I am now able to feed him and pay his school fees. He is currently attending a preschool in Kampala, Uganda. With this responsibility, I am not able to go to university. I moved from Rubavu to Kigali to look for a better living. I am a cartoon artist based in Kigali, Rwanda. It is through this work that I earn a living. My advice to young people is to always remember to use protection while making love to their girlfriends/boyfriends.”

By: Uwizeye umuhire Blandine

My name is mango, I am a Congolese who lives in Rwanda, I have been in Rwanda for more than 22 year and I am not a refugee. When I was a young kid my wish was to be a priest but now I am a bouncer in a bar because I disobeyed my parents, they told me to go to school but I refused and at age 13 started to abuse drugs and to be a member of drugs addicts. Till now I cannot sleep without having drugs and due to those habits I missed get a chance of going to school.

Convicted individuals prepare to walk in a formation after they were presented to the Court of Appeal for deliberations on their cases in Kigali, Rwanda April 4, 2022.