27/05/2026
In Southern Rwanda, Deborah Umutoniwase wakes with the sun, and dreams beyond the pastel hills of her homeland. Less than a generation ago, her mother survived genocide to raise a family among the scars of the past. Today Deborah represents a new dawn. Daughter, student, and winger on her school’s girl’s soccer team, the world feels bigger at her feet.
“Deborah’s Path” was written by Karenzi Queen Rosine aka .karenzi and appears in Issue 06, the World Cup Issue, out now. It’s also the first winner of the x Women’s Creative Grant and the kind of strong representation of female storytellers we are so fortunate to work with in each of our print magazines.
Applications for the second Women’s Creative Grant are now open, and we can’t wait to see what our community produces next. To apply, check the link in bio. To read more of these stories become an Ori Collective member, support nonprofit storytelling, and get two timeless mags delivered to your mailbox every year.