I was born in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in 1984. I am one of 8 brothers and sisters. After living through a violent war and rebellion, in 2002 my family lost everything in the volcano eruption. We had nothing, no house, no clothes, no money. I was 18 years old when I had to leave school and find work to support my family. I started training as an embroiderer with one of my mother’s friends. I worked hard and KISANY invited me to join their embroidery team.
For 5 years I worked to support 8 people: my parents, 3 younger sisters, 2 brothers and myself. I helped my parents rebuild their home and I finished secondary school. In 2007, I got married and thanks to KISANY’s interest free loan program, I built a house on a plot that my husband purchased. Today we own our house, which is very uncommon in Goma.
I love my work. I like to embroider and create items that people enjoy and use. It seems unreal that I sit here in Goma, in the middle of Africa, making bags sold throughout the world! Last year I attended a training on computers and learned how to search the web. I google some of the places where our work is sent. It is so exciting to think of my work being there!
Work has given me the chance to make my own decisions, to become financially independent. KISANY has made me the woman I am, the education and professional training have opened my eyes. I now have 2 children and will have a third one soon. I have dreams too and I am working towards them. At the moment I attend school to become a professional tailor and maybe someday I’ll have my own workshop.
Everyday I am thankful for my co-workers at KISANY, who always support me and helped me find confidence. KISANY made me realise that work and love can move mountains.
It all began in 2002 in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While the region was devastated by ethnic conflicts, the Nyiragongo volcano erupted and wiped out a third of the city of Goma in a few hours. 300,000 people have to flee, taking only what they have on their backs… Seven embroiderers: Anne-Marie, …
We are excited to introduce you to the new Belgian bed brand Hiboo which is available on appointment in our KISANY Store. Meet Alexis, Hiboo’s founder, who created this Belgian family business that produces beds on demand, in their factory in Belgium. Hi Alexis, can you tell us how your Hiboo bed concept was born? …
As we wrap up this year we take this opportunity to thank you for all your support this year! 2021 has been an eventful year at KISANY with its highs and lows. Our ateliers faced new waves of Covid-19, the eruption of Nyiragongo and violence in Goma. Despite these challenges, we must applaud the strength and way our …
KISANY is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, so take a look at the key figures of our achievements with our craftsmen. All this is obviously possible thanks to your support. Thank you for your support!
MONIQUE’S STORY
MONIQUE’S STORY
I was born in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in 1984. I am one of 8 brothers and sisters. After living through a violent war and rebellion, in 2002 my family lost everything in the volcano eruption. We had nothing, no house, no clothes, no money. I was 18 years old when I had to leave school and find work to support my family. I started training as an embroiderer with one of my mother’s friends. I worked hard and KISANY invited me to join their embroidery team.
For 5 years I worked to support 8 people: my parents, 3 younger sisters, 2 brothers and myself. I helped my parents rebuild their home and I finished secondary school. In 2007, I got married and thanks to KISANY’s interest free loan program, I built a house on a plot that my husband purchased. Today we own our house, which is very uncommon in Goma.
I love my work. I like to embroider and create items that people enjoy and use. It seems unreal that I sit here in Goma, in the middle of Africa, making bags sold throughout the world! Last year I attended a training on computers and learned how to search the web. I google some of the places where our work is sent. It is so exciting to think of my work being there!
Work has given me the chance to make my own decisions, to become financially independent. KISANY has made me the woman I am, the education and professional training have opened my eyes. I now have 2 children and will have a third one soon. I have dreams too and I am working towards them. At the moment I attend school to become a professional tailor and maybe someday I’ll have my own workshop.
Everyday I am thankful for my co-workers at KISANY, who always support me and helped me find confidence. KISANY made me realise that work and love can move mountains.
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KISANY… a beautiful story of women and meetings
It all began in 2002 in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While the region was devastated by ethnic conflicts, the Nyiragongo volcano erupted and wiped out a third of the city of Goma in a few hours. 300,000 people have to flee, taking only what they have on their backs… Seven embroiderers: Anne-Marie, …
New collaboration at KISANY: Hiboo Beds
We are excited to introduce you to the new Belgian bed brand Hiboo which is available on appointment in our KISANY Store. Meet Alexis, Hiboo’s founder, who created this Belgian family business that produces beds on demand, in their factory in Belgium. Hi Alexis, can you tell us how your Hiboo bed concept was born? …
Best Wishes 2022
As we wrap up this year we take this opportunity to thank you for all your support this year! 2021 has been an eventful year at KISANY with its highs and lows. Our ateliers faced new waves of Covid-19, the eruption of Nyiragongo and violence in Goma. Despite these challenges, we must applaud the strength and way our …
KISANY’s social impact in 20 years
KISANY is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, so take a look at the key figures of our achievements with our craftsmen. All this is obviously possible thanks to your support. Thank you for your support!