His first drawing was a butterfly — a symbol of transformation made by a young man who had just been told he would never use his hands again. The story behind Frederick Ndabaramiye, the Portland, Maine-based Rwandan artist, author, and speaker, is one of those rare ones that reframes what you thought was possible.
A Journey Through Tragedy
At fifteen, in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, Frederick was attacked by militia who left him for dead and severed both of his hands. Faced with circumstances that would break most people, he chose a path defined not by bitterness but by forgiveness — and then taught himself to paint by holding a brush between his arms. That choice became the foundation for everything he has built since.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Today Frederick is an accomplished contemporary painter whose original works — like his Maine-inspired "Waves Over Lighthouse" — carry the same spirit of resilience as his story. As co-founder of the Ubumwe Community Center in Rwanda, he provides education and vocational training to people with disabilities, and he travels the world sharing his message of forgiveness and hope.
A life that is a testimony to resilience, faith, and the power of forgiveness — told one brushstroke at a time.
An Invitation to Hope
Frederick's work is more than inspiring; it is a reminder that even the deepest wounds can become a source of hope for others. To explore his original paintings, his writing, and his speaking, visit Frederick's gallery.
