On day two we visited a women’s cooperative, Buranga, on a hillside in the outskirts of Kigali. It was rainy season so it took us a while to get there. Donatien’s car skidded and jerked around on the steep muddy dirt tracks and Andrea and I had to get out several times to lighten the load, but we eventually arrived in one piece!

The now 38 strong co-operative was instigated by Odette Murebwayire. Before joining Buranga most of the women, having lost their families in the genocide, were working as prostitutes and living on the streets. Odette said of the group, “This is our family”. After such huge losses during the genocide, they rely on each other not only to earn money but for support and friendship.

In the past the co-operative has been duped by buyers and lost out on profits, this has made them particularly eager to learn new business skills. They told us that they are pleased to have been given training as it has empowered them to make significant changes to their business.

After a year’s training they now have a business plan and a management committee of 6. Odette explained, “We have to have training because no-one will help us, we have to look after ourselves”.

The women earn very little for the pieces they make and are struggling to pay their rent on their own houses, despite this, they all insist that paying the rent on their small co-op building comes first.

Though this is obviously not ideal, and they have some way to go before they find new markets and start making more money, they recognise the importance of making their business more sustainable and take pride in their enterprise. The members of Buranga are determined to make a brighter future for themselves and their children.

Thank you to all our supporters who are donating to the Foundation and helping us to enable people like Odette to feel empowered to make their livelihoods more sustainable. If you would like to make a gift, please go to our online donation page by clicking here or send a cheque to Shared Interest Foundation, Freepost NT1883, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 1BR

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