Stories of Hope: Callixte
Callixte is a 14 year old boy who became an orphan in 2000 when his mother died.
Callixte and his family
Frequently, he and his siblings went days without food. In desperation, his older brother left to live on the streets. His younger sister also left home, traveling from village to village seeking lodging and food in exchange for work.
Callixte has survived by working for food as well. He is small in stature because hunger has been a constant in his life.
In May 2008, Callixte joined ZOE’s Giving Hope Empowerment Project. He received agricultural training, seeds, hoe, and a grant for an income-generating activity. He has now harvested beans and sweet potatoes and used the grant to purchase two chickens and start a small business selling items such as candy, salt, cookies and soap. His success has led his brother and sister to return home, and Callixte has reintegrated his sister into school.
Not only has he escaped from his life of hunger, but Callixte now shares food with many hungry children in his village. On a recent visit, Epiphanie Mujawimana, the founder of the Giving Hope Empowerment Project, saw nearly 15 children come to Callixte for a meal.
Download the ZOE Giving Hope Empowerment Project Overview (pdf) to read more about how this program changes the lives of orphans.