Marceline Niyirakamana - PRI International as a Laboratory Housekeeper

Marceline was born in 1990 in the southern province of Rwanda. She is a proud mother of two daughters, aged nine and five. Her story has been one of resilience and determination, marked by the challenges of providing for her family as a single parent.

Before joining PRI, Marceline worked at COCO Ltd., a manufacturer of paper products. Despite her best efforts, the wages were too low to support her family’s needs. The struggle to make ends meet led her to seek a better opportunity, one that could offer stability and growth.

In February 2022, Marceline joined PRI as an apprentice. Initially, she worked as a site cleaner during the construction of the refinery. Her dedication and willingness to learn did not go unnoticed. She was trained in the carpentry team, a promotion that came with an increase in pay. This role not only enhanced her skills but also contributed to the betterment of her family’s circumstances.

By August 2022, Marceline was offered a position in the laboratory as a laboratory housekeeper with an open-ended contract. Her responsibilities include maintaining the cleanliness of the laboratory, training on safety protocols, handling hazardous material, and the proper disposal of chemical waste. With this new role came an increase in salary, which has significantly improved her family’s quality of life.

Before PRI, Marceline lived a life of uncertainty, renting a home and struggling to provide basic needs for her children. Today, thanks to the opportunities PRI provided, she owns a plot of land and has built a home for her family. Her children now attend good schools, and she can provide them with a stable and nurturing environment.

With the savings she accumulated, Marceline purchased a motorcycle and a bicycle, which she has employed as taxis. This small business venture not only supports her family further but also creates jobs for others, extending the impact of PRI’s investment beyond her own household.

PRI has been more than just an employer. It has been a lifeline. The company instilled in Marceline and her colleagues the values of teamwork, responsibility, and the importance of leaving a positive legacy in both their professional and personal lives. For this, she is deeply grateful to PRI and its partners.