Rwandan sisters

Posted Tue, 03/23/2010 - 13:00 by Laura Hanson

I'm in my final days with the women of Rwanda Knits. It's been quite an exciting trip!

This morning, the team of 5 grant writers elected by the Ingenzi Knit Union presented their draft of a $100,000 USADF grant to their fellow cooperative members. They've been working hard since I first arrived in Rwanda last week. Today was their big day to share ideas and outline their vision of the future!

What is the purpose of our organization?

What is our most important goal in the next three years?

How will we achieve this goal, and how much will it cost?

These are the biggest questions for every startup business, and it's been incredible watching a group of women who have been through so much tackle them together.

Other highlights from our trip:

  • The launch of the Rwanda Fair Trade Artisan's Association, a retail space in Kigali for Rwandan artisan cooperatives
  • Conversations with the United Nations Fund for Women and COOPAfrica about supporting Rwanda's cooperative movement - and the Ingenzi Knit Union
  • Pursuing opportunities to build a knitting center in collaboration with the District of Gasabo
  • A public health-themed theatrical performance in Butare performed by a local theatre troupe trained by RAPP (the umbrella organization of Rwanda Knits)
  • Meeting with Indego Africa to discuss a potential partnership and promote our shared mission of empowering women entrepreneurs
  • The launch of the Ingenzi Knit Union website coming soon!

    • I'll be sad to leave Rwanda on Thursday, but I feel extraordinarily grateful to have had such a rewarding trip, one that reminds me of the impact cooperation can have on our lives, our families, and our global sisters.