Meet Justin, a beneficiary of the We Are Able! project implemented in DR Congo. His story is one of perseverance, transformation and a testament to the power of inclusive initiatives aimed at empowering people with disabilities.
A Life Before Hope
Justin’s life took a difficult turn in 2005 when he became disabled as an 11-year-old boy. He soon found himself marginalized. Friends turned away, societal attitudes hardened, and Justin was left feeling invisible and excluded.
“Before the project, I didn’t see myself as a complete person,” he recalls. His days were often spent in despair, and even the simplest economic activities felt out of reach. “I couldn’t even afford a small snack, let alone provide for myself.”
The Turning Point
Everything began to change with the arrival of the We Are Able! project. Justin was introduced to the PIP (Integrated Farm Planning) approach, where he and other persons with disabilities were brought together with the wider community.
Through workshops and sensitization sessions, Justin learned practical strategies to achieve self-reliance. More importantly, he discovered his intrinsic worth and the importance of breaking societal barriers.
“Before, I believed working was synonymous with suffering,” Justin shares. “The project taught me that I could be productive and showed me how to take care of myself despite my disability.”
Breaking Barriers and Building a Future
The project not only empowered Justin economically but also socially. He learned modern agricultural techniques, such as using natural compost to boost soil fertility, and was encouraged to view farming as a pathway to independence.
Today, Justin cultivates bananas, beans and sweet potatoes in his fields, which provide him with income. From selling produce, he has been able to invest in livestock, with plans to expand his farm further. “I aim to buy goats and chickens, and eventually, these will multiply to sustain me and my family,” he says with pride.
Socially, the transformation has been just as significant. The sensitization efforts of We Are Able! fostered inclusion, changing how Justin was perceived by his community. “People now sit with me, talk to me and treat me as an equal,” he says. “My heart is filled with joy from this change.”
A New Chapter
Through determination and the tools provided by the project, Justin has achieved milestones he once thought impossible. He built a brick house, found a life partner, and is now a proud father.
“Before, I couldn’t imagine having a family. But with the encouragement I received, I found the courage to approach someone. Now I have a wife and children.”
Justin has even set ambitious goals: by the end of 2023, he aims to complete his house. He has learned the value of planning and saving, selling surplus crops to fund his dream. “This project has taught me responsibility and how to set goals for the future.”
A Message of Gratitude
Justin’s journey reflects the transformative impact of inclusive development programmes. He expresses deep gratitude to the We Are Able! project team. “You have taught us to live with dignity and work alongside others in society. You’ve shown us that we are capable of achieving great things.”
To the project’s organizers and donors, Justin offers heartfelt thanks: “May God bless ZOA and everyone involved. I hope this program continues to empower others like me to dream beyond their circumstances and reach new heights.”
Justin’s story is a powerful reminder that inclusive food security and empowerment programs can change lives. We remain committed to creating opportunities for all, ensuring that no one is left behind.