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At first, when Raïssa joined the Ndara kitchen she felt intimidated by the unfamiliar dishes, ingredients, and equipment. But with Martial’s patient mentorship and guidance, Raïssa grew more confident. For the first time, she is self-sufficient and able to provide for her son without depending on anyone else.

Threads of Hope: Raïssa

Raïssa grew up in the village of Ngamanabodo, 12 km from Bangassou in the eastern part of the Central African Republic. As a young girl, she lived with her mother, surrounded by the simple rhythms of village life. Her journey to Bangui began when her older sister lost her husband, and Raïssa traveled to the capital to support her during her grief. But life in the city was far from easy. Struggling to make ends meet, Raïssa found herself unable to return home to the countryside.

It was during this difficult time that Martial extended a lifeline to Raïssa, offering her a chance to work with him in Ndara’s kitchen. This opportunity became a thread of hope, weaving stability, growth, and independence into Raïssa’s life.

Since joining the Ndara kitchen, Raïssa has gained not only a stable income but also a wealth of new skills. While she had cooked for her family before, she had never made salads, juices, or cookies. Working in a kitchen equipped with running water, electricity, blenders, and tools was a revelation. At first, she felt intimidated by the unfamiliar dishes, ingredients, and equipment. But with Martial’s patient mentorship and guidance, Raïssa grew more confident, eventually mastering her role as his trusted assistant.

Today, the Ndara kitchen holds a special place in Raïssa’s life. It is a space of empowerment and transformation. For the first time, she is self-sufficient, able to provide for her son and cover his school fees without depending on anyone else. This independence is a source of immense pride for Raïssa.

Yet the impact of Ndara extends beyond financial stability. Working in the kitchen has opened a new world to Raïssa, showing her what is possible for women like her. Watching Ndara artisans create beautiful, handcrafted products with skill and care has been life-changing. She marvels at their ability to manage the boutique, handle complex tasks like invoicing and inventory, and bring vibrant colors and designs to life. For Raïssa, this is not just inspiring—it’s a revelation that she, too, can learn and achieve new things if she chooses.

"The boutique is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen," Raïssa says. "The building itself, the colors, the products—I had no idea that people in CAR could create such beauty. It’s a pride for our entire country, but especially for everyday women like us."

Raïssa dreams of learning to sew, inspired by the elegant Ndara wrap skirts she often sees on customers when she delivers salads. She loves how they look and has set a goal for herself: in 2025, she plans to learn sewing and make her first wrap skirt. Though the idea still feels intimidating, she is determined to take this next step.

In addition to sewing, Raïssa hopes to continue learning new recipes with Martial and saving money to one day move into a home of her own with her son. For her, these dreams are tangible threads of hope woven through her daily work and her growing confidence.

Raïssa’s journey is a testament to how opportunity, mentorship, and a supportive community can transform lives. Through the Ndara kitchen, she has not only built a future for herself but also discovered the boundless possibilities within her reach.