Age: 48
Location: Kashenyi Village, Bukimbiri Ward, Nyanamo Town Council
Patience spent years relying on the forest for canes and poles to support her climbing beans. Like many
families, she cut fresh trees each planting season because the poles wore out quickly or ended up as
firewood. Over time, she watched the hills around her become barer, and the worry set in.
When CRU-Africa introduced the community to sustainable restoration, she understood for the first time
what unchecked cutting meant for her children’s future. She joined NCCDO and became an active
volunteer, guiding groups of women who weed the nursery beds and make crafts for sale.
Patience now has a skill she never imagined she would have. With nine children to support, craft making
and community work give her hope for better opportunities. She believes these efforts will prepare the
next generation for a different life.
Quote: “The plight of every woman is to secure a future for your children. If we continue
investing in keeping the trees alive and planting more, Nyanamo will become a place of
real opportunity for our boys and girls.”
