Christine & Lydie: a Story of Two Generations

Behind every Amani piece is a mother—and a family. This week, as we lead up to Mother’s Day, we’re sharing stories from all the mothers involved in creating the family that is Amani.

Christine

My name is Christine Mbangimpundu from Rwanda, and I am the mother of Itangishaka Lydie. I came to Amani in 2016 as a stitcher, and over the years I have learned many products and skills that are helping me earn money to support my family. At Amani, we don’t just join pieces of cloth together carelessly—we are trained to sew very neatly. My sewing skills have improved greatly, and learning many different products has helped me earn a good income.

I have been part of the program for 10 years. Before joining Amani, my family depended only on my husband to provide for all our needs, and it was a big struggle. As refugees in Kenya, we didn’t know who to turn to. When I received the call to join Amani, I felt very good—my sadness was taken away. I found new hope, new friends, and sisters who love and pray for each other.

Working together as mother and daughter has been a blessing. We are able to support each other and share many stories in common. Lydie has become more open with me, and we draw strength from one another. I have seen our lives become stronger together in every way.

My family is very grateful for the jobs Lydie and I have at Amani. We both pray for Amani to thrive so that all families working here can be supported. Now, I am able to plan for my family’s future because I am assured of an income every time I work. I have been able to buy good food for my family and support my husband in paying our bills. We can have dreams again of a better future.

As a Christian woman, I love to support fellow women in my community. I pray for them and stand with them in times of pain and grief. My faith has grown through the devotions and prayer times we have at Amani and in my church. I am so glad that both my daughter and I work at Amani. The values we are learning will be passed down to future generations in our family. The greatest joy for us is that Lydie now has the opportunity to go to college through the Amani Sponsorship program. God bless Amani.

Lydie

My name is Itangishaka Lydie, and I am the last born in our family. After finishing high school, my mom requested a job opportunity for me, and that is how I joined Amani in February 2019. Before joining Amani, school fees were a big challenge for me. I often wondered how my life would turn out and how things would work out for our family. My mom and I used to pray and trust that God would provide.

When I joined Amani, it meant I would now have a source of income, and this reduced our burden significantly. I began to see God at work in our lives. I now work as a barista in the Amani Café, where I have learned coffee making, communication skills, teamwork, and how to function in a work environment. One of the greatest opportunities came three years ago when Amani gave me a sponsorship to attend college.

Before, I didn’t have a clear vision for my future, but now I dream of becoming an Environmental Advocate, which is what I am studying. Working together with my mother has been very meaningful to me. I appreciate her for bringing me to Amani, and we are able to support each other both at work and at home. Being the last born, we have become very close—I can talk to her about anything, and she prays for me.

I am very proud of my mom because she is a strong Christian, and I hope to be like her in my faith. She guides our family in godly ways. Working at Amani has brought more stability and joy into our home, and we are able to earn money to support our needs.

This experience has made me more confident in how I communicate and approach life. I feel more stable in my decisions and finances, and I am hopeful because I now have a foundation for my future. Being part of Amani has also strengthened my faith. We begin each day with prayer, and there are programs that encourage us as young women. I have learned to respect, love, and accept those around me.

I am very grateful to God and to Amani for giving both my mother and me the opportunity to work here. Amani is a special place where work is joyful, and there is always something new to learn. God bless Amani.