My name is Niyigena Diane, and I am a 15-year-old girl. I stay at the Batsinda center in Kigali city.
I was born into a family of three, and I grew up not knowing my father. I have no information about him to this day.
My mother remarried, and my life became very difficult living with my stepfather, who often called me a bastard. Not only that, but he also frequently beat both my mother and me. This mistreatment led my mother to leave his house and live on her own.
Life became even harder for us. My mother turned to illegal activities, smuggling drugs, which led to her arrest and a long prison sentence that she is still serving.
Our stepfather used to tell us to go to prison and ask our mother for food and money for rent.
Since I didn’t know my biological father, who I believe could have treated me better, and my mother was imprisoned, it was an insulting and depressing situation that I couldn’t bear. I felt I had no choice but to leave and search for a new life, and the only option I saw was the street.
Life on the streets was unbearable until I was taken in and supported by this organization.
They helped me find a foster family, where I am now living happily, and they also gave me the opportunity to receive an education.
I am currently in Grade 4B, and I dream of completing my education.
