Twizerimana Innocent

Innocent was born in 2007 Grew up in Musanze District, Rwanda. From an early age, life presented him with challenges far beyond his years. Growing up in a family struggling with severe economic hardship, Innocent lived with his mother, who had no formal employment, and his grandmother, whose strength and love were constant but whose means were limited. Despite these struggles, Innocent was a child full of dreams. He dreamt of a life where education would be his path to freedom, where he could attend a boarding school, study diligently, and create a future he could be proud of. But reality was harsh. With no resources to support his schooling, Innocent’s path was interrupted multiple times. He was forced to spend long hours on the streets, helping his family survive in small ways, and facing the uncertainty of a life that seemed stacked against him. The streets were not kind. Innocent had to navigate danger, hunger, and loneliness at a young age. Yet, even in the midst of this struggle, he never gave up on his dream. He carried hope in his heart—hope that one day, he could rise above his circumstances and create a better life for himself and his family. That hope found a lifeline in Art for Change Rwanda. Through their support, Innocent’sdetermination and talent did not go unnoticed. After successfully passing the Rwanda National Examination for Senior Three, Art for Change Rwanda stepped in to cover his full tuition, giving him the opportunity to attend school without the heavy burden of financial worry. For Innocent, this was more than just education—it was a chance to reclaim his childhood, to dream freely, and to build a future he had only imagined in fleeting moments on the streets. Today, Innocent continues his schooling with renewed vigor and participates actively in visual arts. Painting and drawing have become more than hobbies—they are his voice, his therapy, and his way of expressing the emotions that life on the streets once forced him to hide. Every stroke of his brush tells a story of resilience, courage, and hope.Innocent’s journey reminds us that no matter how harsh life may seem, support, guidance, and opportunity can transform a child’s destiny. From the streets of Musanze to the classrooms and art studios where he now thrives, Innocent’s story is a testament to the power of hope and the incredible impact of organizations like Art for Change Rwanda.