In 1994, Rwanda endured one of history's darkest chapters. The women of ITARA survived. Today, through the craft of sewing, they are rebuilding their lives, feeding their families, and restoring their dignity. Your support keeps this light burning. Every product carries their story of resilience.
Read Their Full Story
Odette Mukamuseruka
Legacy Artisan · Founding Member
Odette is covered with many scars from wounds sustained during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Though the wounds healed, she continued to feel the pain and hopelessness. ITARA's sewing program helped Odette feel joy and happiness through relationships with other artisan moms. Learning to sew gave her a life with dignity and self-worth she had never known before.
FamilySingle mother, 2 children
SpecialtyGuheka Knapsack
Meet All Artisans
Handcrafted
Our Collections
View All
Eshatu Pouch Set
3-Piece Set · $38
Ingoboka Bag
Carry-All · $40
Ikimenyetso Signature Bag
Signature · $45
Guheka Knapsack
Knapsack · $30
Ubwiza Box Pouch
Box Pouch · $27
Hope Bag - Small
Tote · $35
"Before ITARA, we had nothing. We went days without food, without shelter. Now we have a craft, a purpose, and the ability to provide for our families."
— ITARA Artisans
Your Gift Changes Lives
With Your Support, This Light Shines Brighter
ITARA runs entirely on donations and sales of products made by ITARA women. Your gift makes it possible for even more women to experience empowerment, hope, dignity and financial independence.
$25
Monthly
Tent Builder
Your monthly gift goes directly to artisan meals at the Workshop, keeping our women nourished and focused on their craft.
Shop a handmade product or make a donation — either way, you are directly changing a life.
Donate NowShop Collections
Founded 2015 · Kigali, Rwanda
From Agape Love to Everlasting Light
"The name ITARA means "lamp"; illuminating a path out of poverty, fostering sustainability, confidence and hope for ITARA women and their families."
The Beginning
Born from Darkness, Built on Love
In April 1994, the genocide against the Tutsi tore Rwanda apart. Over 1 million people were killed in just 100 days. Families were destroyed. Communities shattered. The people who survived were left to pick up the pieces with no income, no homes and some with no family left alive.
For decades, most of the women of ITARA had lived in extreme poverty due to the aftermath of the genocide. There were limited opportunities for work. They went days without food. They couldn't afford housing. These women from a small village on the outskirts of Kigali were extremely impacted. Their scars, both visible and invisible, ran deep.
In 2015, inspired by God's love, Agape, ITARA was founded with a radical idea: teach these women the craft of sewing, and give them the tools to rebuild their own lives.
Milestones
Our Journey
2015
ITARA was founded in Kinyinya, Kigali. 11 women began intensive sewing training using manual machines, with instruction from a Rwandan sewing teacher and guidance from a Los Angeles based product designer.
2016
First artisans graduate after 18+ months. Betty, a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and a leg amputee, is among them, powering her adapted machine with her arms.
2018
ITARA achieves 501(c)(3) status in the US and registers with the Rwanda Development Board, enabling global sales.
2020
Despite COVID shutting down the workshop, ITARA supports all artisan families with food and living expenses. New apprentices Florence, Yankurije, and Clarisse join.
2021
With the financial support of The Garden Church located in Chatsworth, California USA, ITARA Studio relocates its workshop from a very small space to its current location.
2022
US mission team visits Rwanda. Betty receives her first electric sewing machine and masters it in 2 days. ITARA bags are now available to order globally!
2023
ITARA Studio launches ITARA Academy, training 6 new women every 6 months. Jado Bazimana joins as the new Managing Director.
2025
9 new women complete training and join the team as apprentices. ITARA launches its Make Room For More campaign to create more room for women to be trained in sewing.
2026
The 9 apprentices are promoted to junior artisans, bringing the ITARA Studio Rwanda team to 20 full-time staff.
The Need
Why Continued Support is Critical
Everything at ITARA including materials, machines, fabric, training and wages is funded entirely by donations and product sales.
U.S. operations are run entirely by volunteers, ensuring 100% of proceeds go directly toward ITARA Studio Rwanda's operations.
When donations slow, artisans lose income. Training stops. Women who fought to rebuild since 1994 become vulnerable again. Your giving changes that.
Give Today
This Is Not Just a Story. It's Happening Now.
Meet the women whose lives are being transformed.
Meet the ArtisansDonate
The Women of ITARA
Meet the Artisans
Every ITARA product carries a name, a signature, and a story of resilience. These are the women behind each stitch.
Betty Uwizeyimana
Legacy Artisan · Joined 2015
Betty has been a part of ITARA's journey since 2015 and graduated from the sewing program in 2016. She suffered a leg amputation as a result of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. As a single mother, Betty once faced limited opportunities to provide for her five children. Joining ITARA was an answered prayer.
For six years, Betty powered her trundle sewing machine by hand, modified to her physical needs. In 2022, she received an electric machine and mastered it in just two days! Known for her speed, precision, and quiet determination, Betty takes special pride in crafting the Ubwiza Box Pouch and the Signature Bag. Her steadfast resilience and constant smiles continue to inspire every new artisan in training who walks through ITARA Studio's doors.
FamilySingle mother, 5 children
SpecialtyUbwiza Box Pouch & Signature Bag
Claudine Uwingabire
Legacy Artisan · Joined 2015
Claudine is one of ITARA's Legacy Artisans. Known for her joyful spirit and quick sense of humor, she brings warmth and laughter to the workshop. Her strong technical skills help troubleshoot production challenges, and her welcoming nature makes new artisans in training feel accepted and at home.
In 2022, Claudine also served as a bridge between teams, translating from English to Kinyarwanda during a U.S. team visit to Rwanda. A mother of three, she supports her family through her craft and has mastered ITARA Studio's full product line, though she especially loves sewing the Eshatu Pouch Set and the Ubwiza Box Pouch.
Family3 children
SpecialtyEshatu Pouch Set & Ubwiza Box Pouch
Libelee Nyirabagwiza
Artisan · Joined 2016
Libelee has been part of the ITARA family since 2016. Quiet and humble, her joyful love of song and worship quickly reveals her bright smile and warm spirit.
A mother of three, Libelee plays a key role in uniting Legacy and apprentice artisans, serving as a steady bridge between teams. She has mastered ITARA Studio's full product line, and especially enjoys sewing one of ITARA's most intricate designs, the Eshatu Pouch Set.
Family3 children
SpecialtyEshatu Pouch Set
Odette Mukamuseruka
Legacy Artisan · Joined 2015
Odette is one of ITARA's Legacy Artisans. She carries scars from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, wounds that healed on the outside but left deep pain and years of hopelessness. Providing for her two children as a single mother was a constant struggle.
Through ITARA's sewing program, Odette found community, dignity, and renewed joy. Today, she is one of the studio's most dedicated artisans and holds the record for sewing the most Guheka Knapsacks, her favorite piece to create. Her quiet strength continues to inspire every new mother who joins the ITARA Studio workshop.
FamilySingle mother, 2 children
SpecialtyGuheka Knapsack
Florence Mukamuhire
Artisan · Joined 2020
Florence joined the ITARA family at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Initially accepted as an apprentice, the team quickly discovered that her sewing skills were stronger than expected. With one toddler swaddled to her back and another playing nearby, she rapidly mastered ITARA's foundational product lines.
By 2022, Florence was confidently crafting two of ITARA's more intricate designs, the Eshatu Pouch Set and the Guheka Knapsack, now her favorite pieces to sew. As she continues to refine her craft, Florence is steadily building a more secure future for her three children through her work at ITARA Studio.
FamilyMarried, 3 children
SpecialtyEshatu Pouch Set & Guheka Knapsack
Yankurije Tuyisenge
Artisan · Joined 2020
Yankurije joined the ITARA family at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. She quickly showed strong potential and grew her skills by learning alongside ITARA's experienced artisans.
Today, she focuses on crafting the Hope Bag from ITARA's original collection while continuing to strengthen her technique. As a mother of three, Yankurije is steadily building a more secure future for her family through her work at ITARA Studio.
Family3 children
SpecialtyHope Bag
Clarisse Umutesi
Artisan · Joined 2020
Clarisse joined ITARA as an apprentice at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Due to national restrictions, her training was delayed, putting her plans to support her three children on hold.
When the workshop fully reopened, Clarisse returned with strong dedication and consistency. Today, she is steadily mastering the Hope Bag and growing in confidence alongside the ITARA Studio Artisan team.
FamilySingle mother, 3 children
SpecialtyHope Bag
Esther Mukeshimana
Artisan · Joined 2023
Esther graduated from the ITARA Sewing Academy in 2024 and quickly proved herself a focused and fast learner. She shows strong promise as she grows in developing her craft and mastering ITARA Studio's product line.
Outside the workshop, Esther is known for her hospitality and love of cooking. Her beloved Pilau, a fragrant rice dish made with beef or chicken, is often requested by friends and family.
Family5 children
Known ForFast learner & hospitality
Mwubaha (Patience) Nyirarukundo
Artisan · Joined 2023
Mwubaha, known as Patience to the artisan moms, graduated from the ITARA Sewing Academy in 2024. A mother of six and a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, she fled conflict more than a decade ago and later reunited with her family in Rwanda.
Through ITARA, she gained skills to support her family and even started a small neighborhood grocery business. She delights in crafting ITARA Studio's ornaments and continues learning new designs. A gifted speaker, singer, and devoted prayer warrior, her prayers bring warmth and strength to the workshop each day.
FamilyMarried, 6 children
SpecialtyOrnaments
Marcella Nyirarukundo
Artisan · Joined 2023
Marcella is one of the eldest ITARA Artisans. Though naturally quiet, she surprises everyone with her humor and storytelling.
In addition to learning how to sew ITARA's product line, Marcella brings unique talents, including experience in brick construction, reflecting her enterprise and versatility.
FamilyMarried, 5 children
Known ForHumor & versatility
Valentine Vuguziga
Artisan · Joined 2024
Valentine is one of ITARA's newest artisans and among the most experienced in life. She has embraced sewing with dedication and diligence, contributing to custom bags for ITARA Studio's corporate clients.
Beyond the workshop, she has a passion for gardening and led the renewal of ITARA Studio's beautiful and lush garden, an inviting space for visitors to enjoy and admire.
Family7 children
Known ForCorporate bags & gardening
Therese Nyirandimubenshi
Artisan · Joined 2023
Therese graduated top of her ITARA Academy class in 2024, standing out for her speed and careful attention to detail. Though she holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, she struggled for years to find stable employment.
At ITARA, she discovered a new passion in craftsmanship. She is determined to grow in her sewing career and contribute meaningfully to her family's economic future.
Family3 children
Known ForSpeed & attention to detail
Sandrine Mutoni
Artisan · Joined 2023
Sandrine is a young mother of two who recently joined ITARA and quickly mastered the product line. Though quiet at first, she is a thoughtful listener and strong team player.
She is confident in her craft and enjoys experimenting with new designs, bringing fresh creativity to the workshop.
FamilyMarried, 2 children
Known ForCreativity & new designs
Patricie Mukasekuru
Artisan · Joined 2023
Patricie is a natural leader with remarkable sewing speed. Her efficiency is matched only by her contagious smile and joyful disposition.
She expresses her faith through worship as a choir leader at her local church. Patricie is also a devoted prayer warrior who encourages and uplifts her fellow artisans during difficult times.
FamilyMarried, 2 children
Known ForSpeed & leadership
Christine Tuyishimire
Artisan · Joined 2023
Christine is a single mother of three and a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. For many years she faced deep instability and hardship. After joining ITARA Studio in 2023, she quickly received inspiration and encouragement through the other artisans.
Through her work at the studio, Christine has found renewed hope, sisterhood, and the ability to provide food and education for her children. Her bright smile reflects the strength she carries as her confidence builds each day.
FamilySingle mother, 3 children
Jacqueline Mukandahiro
Artisan & Head Instructor · Joined 2015
Jacqueline began working with ITARA in 2015 and became a full-time team member in 2024. As Head Teacher of the Sewing Academy, she has trained most of ITARA's artisans and has also mastered the entire product line.
Her creativity extends beyond bags, she has designed custom clothing pieces for visiting partners and gala events, earning wide praise. She is currently developing the souvenir collection and signature clothing styles for ITARA Studio's future Artisan Experience Tours at the workshop in Kigali, Rwanda.
FamilyMarried, 5 children
RoleHead Instructor
Every Artisan Has a Story of Resilience.
Your donation directly funds their training, materials, machines, and family support.
Shop Their Creations
Make Room for More
Keep the Light Burning
For 10 years, ITARA has empowered women in Rwanda to reclaim hope, dignity, and financial independence.
100% of proceeds are directly reinvested in ITARA Studio, Rwanda.
Collections
Take Home a Piece of Rwanda
ITARA Studio's product line is uniquely sewn with the highest quality of materials. Each product is designed with the perfect balance of cotton canvas and African kitenge, showcasing beautiful colors and patterns that make it truly one of a kind.
Eshatu Pouch Set
3-Piece Set · $38
Ingoboka Bag
Carry-All · $40
Guheka Knapsack
Knapsack · $30
Ikimenyetso Signature Bag
Signature · $45
Ubwiza Box Pouch
Box Pouch · $27
Hope Bag - Small
Tote · $35
Hope Bag - Large
Tote Handbag · $40
Umutako Bunting
Home Decor · $20
Amahoro Pillow Covers
Home Decor · from $25
Kwizihiza T-Shirt
Apparel · $20
Noheli Ornament
Ornament · $8
"Each product is unique — sewn and personalized with an ITARA tag and the artisan's own signature. When you carry an ITARA bag, you carry her story."
Every Purchase Changes a Life.
Meet the Makers
Guided by Purpose
Leadership Team
The people behind ITARA's mission to empower women and illuminate a path out of poverty.
Jado Bazimana
Managing Director · ITARA Rwanda
Jean de Dieu Bazimana, known as Jado, joined ITARA in 2023, bringing over a decade of diverse experience in consulting, entrepreneurship, retail, and international development across Burundi, Rwanda, and the United States.
With a passion for connecting organizational goals with market trends, he excels in strategy, sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Jado holds an MBA in International Business from Southern New Hampshire University.
"My dream for ITARA: to open branches across Rwanda, empowering under-resourced women to earn a sustainable income and showcasing our products globally."
ITARA's U.S. operations are carried out entirely by volunteers — passionate individuals who donate their time, expertise and energy to ensure that 100% of proceeds go directly toward ITARA Studio Rwanda's operations and growth.
From product design guidance to logistics and fundraising, every aspect of ITARA's U.S. presence is powered by people who believe in the mission. This volunteer-driven model is what makes it possible for every dollar you give to reach the women who need it most.
In Rwanda, Jado leads a team of 11 full-time staff who manage the workshop, train new artisans, make products and oversee production, all working toward the vision of ITARA's Make Room For More campaign.
Want to Join the Team?
We need ambassadors, volunteers, and supporters across the U.S. and around the world.
Revenue from every sale is reinvested into ITARA Studio to fund operations, artisan training, and growth. Your purchase helps empower women in Rwanda to build independent futures for their families.
