Chantal — a wife and mother of four from Buhiga region in Burundi — courageously reflects on her past struggles and the powerful impact of the parenting training provided to her Savings Group. Her story of transformation is a testimony of the importance of education, self-awareness, and healing in breaking cycles of violence and creating loving, peaceful families.

Read her story in her own words below:

‍My name is Chantal. I’m married and a mother of four children, and I’m also a member of a Savings Group.

Before I joined the program and learned about positive parenting, things were very different in my home. I didn’t have a healthy relationship with my husband, and he would often beat me. In turn, I would take out my anger and frustration on our children. I didn’t give them a chance to explain themselves when I accused them of something. I hit them frequently, just as my mother had done to me. I believed that was the right way to raise a child.

‍I never took time to listen to my children. I didn’t allow them to express their side of the story, and many times, I later realized they had been punished unfairly. The worst part was that I didn’t apologize—even when I knew I was wrong. I considered myself a Christian, but I didn’t show forgiveness or compassion in how I disciplined my kids. My children were deeply hurt and traumatized. As a family, we never came together to talk about our lives or share the word of God.

‍Everything began to change after I received parenting training. I discovered both my strengths and weaknesses—and began to understand who I really am. I felt deeply ashamed when I realized how I had mistreated my own children. I now see that my actions were one of the reasons they struggled in school.

The skills I learned helped me become a better mother and a better wife. I take care of my husband, and I apologize when I’m wrong. I’ve also greatly improved how I communicate with my children. I take the time to listen to them. They have the freedom to speak, and I make space for their voices to be heard.

‍I now understand that the kind of people my children grow up to be depends on the kind of person I am today. Their behavior will reflect mine. Because of this, I continue to apply what I’ve learned from the parenting program, and my husband and children have both appreciated the changes in our home.

I encourage my children to know themselves, to live peacefully with others, and to develop good habits. We now sit together as a family to talk about forgiveness, share the word of God, and discuss our lives. These moments are truly special because everyone feels free to speak openly.

I've learned that raising a child doesn't mean using harsh punishments. Thanks to the training I have received, I now live in peace and happiness with my children, my husband, and our neighbors.