Healing Retreat Restores Hope Among Diabetes Patients Once Driven to Despair
The retreat, dubbed “Hope,” concluded on Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Masaka Sector, Kicukiro District, at RABAGIRANA Ministries, a center known for providing trauma healing services in Rwanda and beyond.
It brought together 13 beneficiaries of GT Fondation along with 8 accompanying participants. This marks the second such initiative, following an earlier retreat titled “Confidence.” Organizers say the first session revealed deep emotional and physical wounds among participants, many of whom are living with Type 1 diabetes compounded by poverty. In some cases, this led individuals to abandon their medication in acts of self-harm.
Josephine Niyonsenga, a mother of two children from Kigembe Sector in Gisagara District, shared her experience of living with Type 1 diabetes since the age of 12. Now 24, she says her life has been marked by isolation, emotional distress, and extreme poverty.
“There are times when I can’t afford syringes or transport to access treatment, so I simply stop taking my medication. Sometimes I even have to share medicine with neighbors facing the same challenges,” she said.
She noted that attending the retreat transformed her outlook, helping her break free from isolation and rediscover hope for the future.
Her story reflects the reality of many participants, who are now calling for greater support. Among their key needs are modern glucose monitoring devices that do not require frequent injections (commonly known as Sensa), as well as income-generating opportunities such as farming, livestock rearing, and small-scale trade to improve their livelihoods.
Louange Mukunzi, a facilitator at RABAGIRANA Ministries, emphasized that healing emotional wounds is a complex process that requires understanding their root causes.
“The first step is helping people speak out. When someone begins to share their experiences, they start to feel a sense of relief. We also help them understand that diabetes is not their identity, it is a condition they can live with,” he explained.
He added that the transformation among participants was evident, noting a significant shift from hopelessness to renewed optimism.
The founder and director of GT Fondation, Tracey Trada Mutesi, said that engaging with beneficiaries made it clear that medical support alone is insufficient. Psychological healing, she stressed, is equally critical.
“Healing is a long journey. Even when progress is made, there are moments of relapse. That’s why we focus not only on treatment but also on mental and emotional well-being,” she said.
She further noted that advocacy efforts will continue to ensure sustainable support systems, including reconnecting vulnerable individuals with supportive communities and families.
At the close of the retreat, participants received food supplies and essential items to support their daily living and pocket money .
The assistance was provided by (BASH Event) a youth-led event company founded by Sonia Akimana and Jo Grace Munyangaju. The group organizes social events every three months, using proceeds to support vulnerable communities.
“Our goal is not just to create enjoyable experiences, but also to give back. We pool resources from these events to support those in need,” Akimana said.
While currently operating with limited resources, the group expressed a desire to attract additional partners to expand their impact and reach more beneficiaries.
GT Fondation had 17 beneficiaries in total 2, have passed away due to complications battling depression 2, couldn’t attend and the rest are missing.
GT Fondation was established in 2019 by Tracey Trada Mutesi after her daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 12, shortly after losing her father to the same condition. This personal experience inspired her to support others facing similar challenges.
Pictures:
