GUHEMBA brings us closer

At Three Mountains, we‘ve always had a culture of bringing something we value and cherish into our lives. Jan Willem and Gerry brought the company name: Driebergen (Three Mountains in English) which is the name of their village in the Netherlands, Now, Three Mountains has adopted a beautiful Rwandan custom known as “GUHEMBA” the custom where people come together to give gifts and support to a family after childbirth, reflecting the community’s care and solidarity during important life events.  

Recently, we had the privilege of visiting Martha, our guard, who had just welcomed a beautiful baby girl. The journey to Martha’s house wasn’t easy. It had rained earlier that day, making the road to her home slippery and challenging. Her house is perched on a steep slope, and as we made our way up, we had to rely on each other to reach the top. I was among those who needed a helping hand to make it up!

Reaching there, Martha, her husband, and their neighbour warmly welcomed us. We were all excited to see and hold the baby, and naturally, we started guessing who she resembled more, her mom or her dad.I was especially impressed by how Martha handled her tasks while caring for her elder son, attending to the visitors, and doing housework simultaneously. Now I wonder if I will manage such obligations when the time comes.  

Of course, the visit ended with group photos.                         

The Guhemba tradition in our office brings out a spirit of togetherness and kindness. I’m responsible for organizing each Guhemba event, from planning the visit to picking the right gifts for the family. Honestly, choosing the perfect gift can be tough. Some people think it’s better to give money so the family can buy what they need, while others prefer practical gifts like diapers or baby lotion. In the end, we usually decide to give a bit of both—something useful for the baby and some money to help the family in other ways.

 What I love most about this tradition is how it brings us closer as colleagues. It’s not just about the gifts—it’s about the chance to bond, to get to know each other better, and to celebrate important moments together. Whether we’re supporting each other through hard times or just sharing stories, Guhemba reminds us that we’re more than just coworkers. We’re a business and a community growing together through every challenge and joy.

Alaine Gloria Mugeni