Nyiraneza, Jane and sister Gorret
- Born: Jane 1991, Gorrent 1993
- Country: DR Congo
- Family: Mother, Jane and Gorret
- Grade: both completed primary 7, both need educational assistance
Action Alert
Jane and Gorret Nyiraneza have been forced to leave their home and are no longer in school. Their 18 year old brother had been living in Hoima but recently moved to Kyangwali. The brother wants Jane and Gorret to leave so he can have all of his mother’s property; he also does not want their mother to pay for the girl’s schooling. The brother has been abusing the girls by hitting, biting, and forcing the girls to sleep outside. Their mother is very upset but cannot control her son. Jane and Gorret have left Kyangwali to work as house girls and babysitters. The girls are pleading for help from the abuse. In addition, both desperately want to continue going to school. They are Coburwas club members. (02-08)
Action Alert Update — 02-12-08
Jane and Gorret are working as house maids at different places in Hoima. Payment for their work is food and a place to sleep. Gorret has gotten sick; Jane purchased medicine in the hopes it will help Gorret get well. Gorret has been eating food that her employers don’t want, washing clothes and blankets, mopping floors, and carrying heavy jerry cans. Jane says "I love my sister very much, she is young and it pains me to see her suffer. If we can get a person to help one of us attend school Gorret and I can help each other in the future."
Edited email(s):
Email 1: I am a 15 year old Congolese refugee girl (born in 1991). I stay in the Kyangwali refugee settlement in Uganda. I ran from the Congo in 1998 with my mom, who is now very old, and a sister. In education, I have completed primary seven just this year, but I have no hope of joining secondary because I have no one to support me and my sister. My sister is Nyirarukundu Gorret, she is 13 years old (born in 1993). She has also finished primary seven like me.
I normally spend my time at school and on weekends I remain at home digging for our mom. She is so old that she can't dig, so my sister and I are the ones to dig to get food, clothes and meet other needs.
I don't normally live a happy life because of the problems I have. My sister and I don't know if we will continue our studies because there is no money to pay our school fees. I have a picture, but right now there is no money to scan it into the computer for you.
How is it abroad? I can't even dream of going there.
It was great to hear from you. Your words show that you are very friendly. I would be glad to hear from you again, and I wait to hear from you soon.
Yours, Jane
Email 2: Dearest Jeanne
I am so grateful to hear from you.
The school in Kyangwali cost a bit more than 200,000sh (~$125 US) per semester and the money to buy school supplies and uniforms is about 60,000sh (~$40 US) My sister and I each need this amount to go to school. To get this money is a tug of war. The school year is 9 months for 3 semesters. (NOTE: PeopleWeaver would like a sponsor to contribute at least $250 per semester so Janet can receive medical treatment, uniforms, soap, transportation, etc. Schools in Hoima cost more but Janet would be grateful to attend in Kyangwali. If someone were to sponsor both Janet and her sister the costs would be double.)
I am a full member of the COBURWAS club; Mr Benson Wereje is our President, and Mr Daniel Muhwezi General Secretary. I will give them the photo to scan and send to you.
Will it be possible for me and my sister to get education from your help? Best of luck in whatever you do to help us. I am also praying because minus education we girls worry to suffer forever.
Jane