The first time I met Amy, I was really inspired by the idea behind Kigali Crafts. I believe that when there are more links between developed and developing countries, that both sides of the bargain are better off. So, when I heard from someone who was prepared to be a risk-taker and to set up a business that would support vulnerable women in Rwanda I was first intrigued, then fascinated.
I told Amy I’d be happy to support her in any way that I could soon I was telling all my friends about Kigali Crafts and setting up stalls with my fiancée, Hannah. As well as selling crafts in the UK, Amy and I began plotting for me to work directly with suppliers in Rwanda. This summer I have taken the plunge and travelled to Kigali.
A big problem for Kigali Crafts is the amount of money it costs to ship handicrafts out of the country. Rwanda is landlocked so a container has to travel hundreds of miles of windy roads, across the border to Dar Es Salaam before it can get to Britain. Amy usually sends her stock via DHL, so I can help her simply by simply becoming a (legal) handicrafts mule. I have been to visit Abraham’s shop in Kigali and picked up a bagful of baskets. I have also been able to find out more about the co-operatives they work with.
Last weekend, me and Rob – another friend of Kigali crafts – spent the weekend at Red Rocks, a guesthouse in Ruhengeri. Red Rocks is owned by Amahoro tours, a company we are planning to work with in the future. The guesthouse was really great – the walls were covered in murals and there were loads of nice little touches like the curtains made of traditional Rwandan materials and the eco-beer fridge.
The site has a local co-operative who weave baskets – which I hope could be an opportunity for Kigali Crafts. We got to spend a morning, with the women learning how make baskets – Marie-Helen said I was a natural but I think she was pulling my leg.
As well as volunteering for Kigali crafts, I am also working for an NGO called ATEDEC which specializes in setting up co-operatives just like the one’s Amy supports. Since I arrived, I have been working on a project initiated by my fellow English volunteer, Caroline. The 100 women project will set up co-operatives in jewellery making, banana leaf handicrafts, hair weaving, second hand clothes and small agriculture. (pic)
The beneficiaries are amongst the most vulnerable in Rwanda – all earn less than $1 a day, over half are HIV+ and many are forced into sex work to increase their income.
The project will be funded by individual donations so please help us by donating at our global giving page (http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/inspire-and-empower-100-rural-women-in-rwanda). Please read Caroline’s blog (http://anniesrwandanadventure.blogspot.com/2012/06/100-women.html) to find out more about the story behind 100 women. Check our ATEDEC Facebook page or ATEDEC website for more details about our progress.
I have been privileged to work with Amy to support women, who now have, thanks to Kigali crafts, the means to help themselves. if our 100 women project can help women in the rural region of Nyamasheke to achieve the same it will change the lives of a community for the better.
Kigali Crafts 