Mukarugambwa
I met Media Mukarugambwa early one morning as she carefully arranged fruits and vegetables into her agataro (a traditional basket), preparing for another long day on the streets.
She has been selling for 18 years, a journey that began when her youngest son was only six months old. After the passing of her husband, Media was left alone with a newborn baby, three other children, and no one to rely on. As an orphan herself, she understood what it meant to grow up without support.
“I looked at my children and I had no choice,” she told me. “I had to do whatever I could to feed them.”
Over the years, Media has moved between the streets and the market. At one point, she managed to rent a small stall, but limited capital forced her to step back and rebuild again. During especially difficult times, she sold amakara (charcoal) in her neighborhood just to continue providing for her family.
Through it all, she remained focused on raising her children with dignity. She chose to stay single so she could dedicate her life entirely to their wellbeing. Today, her children are grown a living testimony to her determination, strength, and hope for a better tomorrow.
In her community of Rukiri, local leaders recognize Media as an example of hard work and commitment. She has never begged and never stopped trying. Every day, she continues to carry her agataro with quiet pride, doing what she has done for nearly two decades: working with dignity for her family.
She has been selling for 18 years, a journey that began when her youngest son was only six months old. After the passing of her husband, Media was left alone with a newborn baby, three other children, and no one to rely on. As an orphan herself, she understood what it meant to grow up without support.
“I looked at my children and I had no choice,” she told me. “I had to do whatever I could to feed them.”
Over the years, Media has moved between the streets and the market. At one point, she managed to rent a small stall, but limited capital forced her to step back and rebuild again. During especially difficult times, she sold amakara (charcoal) in her neighborhood just to continue providing for her family.
Through it all, she remained focused on raising her children with dignity. She chose to stay single so she could dedicate her life entirely to their wellbeing. Today, her children are grown a living testimony to her determination, strength, and hope for a better tomorrow.
In her community of Rukiri, local leaders recognize Media as an example of hard work and commitment. She has never begged and never stopped trying. Every day, she continues to carry her agataro with quiet pride, doing what she has done for nearly two decades: working with dignity for her family.
