I have seen redemption

Penelope (right) mentors Ruth as she accepts donated supplies to sew Days for Girls reusable menstrual kits.

Staff Spotlight: Penelope Turyamureeba

by Rachel Jamison

Penelope Turyamureeba has worked for the Batwa Development Program for five years overseeing their Craft Banda, Batwa Women’s Centre, and related staff. She and her husband of forty-two years, Rev. Canon Jovahn Turyamureeba, have five biological children, two adopted children and nine grandchildren. Penelope has witnessed community transformation.

“I have seen redemption. I see the difference, how people now want to read and share the Bible, see the Jesus Film, and know Jesus. As we teach modern agriculture, I see Batwa wanting to produce their own food and even share or sell their surplus. They no longer survive on dependency; they are headed toward independence. They are being redeemed from begging and from hunger.”

“When we first arrived, sick people would tell us, ‘I have paid for the children but I don’t mind if I die. If I die, I die. I don’t have money.’ But now they know that they are useful to the children and need to take care of them. They no longer fear going in public because of lack of clothes. They used to only go in public to dance for food or money. Now, they even want to be in government and church leadership. They feel wanted and loved by God and their neighbors. Once they thought that they were created differently. Now, they see that we are all created in God’s image.”

Penelope helps the Batwa in numerous ways. She collects clothes for the Batwa among friends, family, and people she meets. She mentors Batwa women and girls. One of her greatest passions is helping girls stay in school. Girls on their period once had to routinely miss one week of school every month. In response, Penelope founded a local chapter of Days for Girls International which sews and distributes reusable menstrual hygiene kits (pictured). Each kit includes underwear, shields, liners, washcloth and soap which is currently in low supply. Penelope’s dedication to this project earned the Days for Girls Gold Standard Certificate in 2022.

Thank you, Penelope, for your passionate work!