Ashimwe, a ten-year-old girl in rural Rwanda with a treatable leg disability, could not see a doctor because her parents couldn’t pay for the long journey to their nearest hospital. This left Ashimwe unable to walk, attend school, or play with friends. It also meant her parents had caring responsibilities that made it hard to earn more money. Across East and West Africa, millions of families like Ashimwe's face this vicious cycle, leaving them isolated and worried for their future.

For Ashimwe’s family, help came in the form of a pig! We gave her family a pregnant sow and trained her parents to earn money through pig farming. They used the income for travel to the hospital, health insurance and school supplies. After treatment, Ashimwe can now walk. She joins in daily family life, and goes to school with her friends. Our projects ensure families, teachers and communities can give children with disabilities the best start in life.