You may have heard about the Comfort Transformation Centre (CTC), which is currently being built in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, in partnership with Comfort Rwanda, Comfort International’s in-country partner organisation. But you might be wondering what the CTC is, who it’s for, and if there is really a need for it. We asked Comfort Rwanda to tell us about some of the young people who will be the first to benefit from the CTC when it is built, including the accommodation it will provide for street children and vulnerable mums and babies. David Gasana wanted us to hear Agnes’ story, and here she tells us it from her point of view, alongside why the CTC is such an important project.Â
“My name is Agnes. According to my national ID, I am 32 years old, but I personally believe I may be around 22. I grew up in circumstances where I was never told my exact date of birth, and because of that, I have never truly known how old I am. Physically, I look younger—perhaps around 22 or even a bit less.
I am an orphan and do not know whether my parents are alive or dead. I have no biological family connections. I was raised in an orphanage from infancy until I reached secondary school. At that point, I was taken in by a family who adopted me. Sadly, when I became pregnant, I was chased away from their home.
Later, I entered into a relationship with a man who promised to give me a better life. Unfortunately, he abandoned me. After giving birth, I was detained at the hospital because I was unable to pay the maternity bills. I had no place to go, no one to turn to, and no means to care for myself or my children.
That is when Comfort Babies came into my life.
They paid all my hospital bills and have since continued to cover other medical expenses for both me and my two children, helping us stay well and healthy. In addition to that, Comfort Babies provided us with shelter, food, and clothing—restoring my dignity and giving me hope.
I now look forward to the future with renewed confidence. I have a dream of studying tailoring, and I was excited to hear that a tailoring school will be part of the new Transformation Centre. Once completed, this centre will be a home and a place of opportunity for many other young women like me who have no support system.
May God bless you all for the incredible work you are doing for us. Your support is changing lives.”
Note from Comfort Rwanda
“Agnes’s story represents the deep vulnerability faced by young women who grow up without family or identity—women who cannot even be sure of something as basic as their age. She has lived without biological family, without certainty, and without support—until she was embraced by Comfort Babies.
We believe the Transformation Centre will be a vital sanctuary—a true home for the homeless and abandoned. It will offer not only shelter and care, but also skills training and a pathway to a dignified, independent life. Through your continued support and God’s grace, lives like Agnes’s are being transformed with hope, purpose, and love.”
We believe the Comfort Transformation Centre will be instrumental in equipping and empowering young people in Rwanda to embrace a brighter future and forge a sustainable future for themselves, in the context of safety and love. Right now, we are asking you to help by donating or fundraising for the CTC. You can do this by hosting a Potato & Pudding Party and inviting friends to take part in this incredible project. To find out more click below.Â