Agnes

Originally from Rwanda, Agnes lived with her husband during the period after the Rwandan Genocide. It was during this time that her husband was murdered, and she herself was attacked. This drove her decision to flee Rwanda and enter Burundi. Her path then led her to a refugee camp in Tanzania where she felt safe only temporarily.

In an attempt to have Rwandans return after so many fled to surrounding countries, the Rwandan president came to Tanzania to request that everyone return. However, the voluntary repatriation request seemed suspicious, and many felt that they were being told, not asked, and that it was still unsafe to return home.   

Agnes then moved to a refugee camp in Malawi, where eventually she was able to request asylum and was brought to Canada.

Agnes arrived in Canada in mid-2021, nineteen years after she had fled Rwanda to find safety elsewhere.

Since her arrival in Canada, Agnes has enjoyed the activities put on by Settlement Services, such as learning to sew, speak English, and more. She is grateful for the safety and security that she has in Prince Albert, as well as the support she has received from both Settlement Services and the Government of Canada. In the future she hopes to be able to work and earn money to support herself and pay her share of taxes.

Images included: Agnes working on her current sewing project, as well as two completed outfits and a bag that she has sewn.