I was recently with a group of 20 people who were forming a ”saving circle.” This group of 20 amazing Rwandans included men and women who live on $1-2 a day.
The lead trainer began the workshop by asking a simple question, “How do you define poverty?” Before you read the answers take a second to ask yourself how you define poverty. Continue Reading…
Songs of praise to God fill the air as I walk to church in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sunday morning. God has really blessed Africans with beautiful voices.
Going to church is always one of my favorite experiences during my visits to Rwanda. The joy of being in God’s presence as the community of God’s people, regardless of nationality, is evident in the singing and dancing around me. This joy is contagious. I can’t help but notice that I swing along with the rhythm of the congregation.
The day before, someone invited a friend and me to visit an orphanage that same Sunday, but I declined. Even though I’ve worked in development for many years, seeing children suffer is still just too overwhelming for me. As I connect with my friend after his visit, I can tell it was a moving experience for him. Honestly, I’m glad I did not go. Continue Reading…
Juduh’s son was just four years old when her husband became ill and passed away. From that point, she alone was responsible to provide for him. In 2001, she joined a savings group in Rwanda, where she received support, a safe place to accumulate her money, and the opportunity to receive loans from her group. Today she continues to contribute 40 cents a week to her group’s savings. She accessed a loan of $86, which she used to purchase bananas and beans. She can buy a bunch of bananas or a bag of beans for $17, reselling them for a profit. She now earns $11 a week and can afford health insurance and her son’s secondary school fees. Juduh has joined a Bible study and has come to depend on the fellowship she experiences in her group.
Immaculee hopes to one day purchase her own home. Through her HOPE Rwanda savings group, she is gaining experience at saving for a significant goal. Through her savings, she was able to purchase a sewing machine for $93. She’d like to purchase an even better machine, with several sewing functions, and open her own tailoring school in her community.
Christine Mukaneza belongs to a HOPE Rwanda savings group. By participating in her group and saving faithfully, Christine was able to save $84: enough to purchase her own sewing machine. She would like to continue growing her business, purchase better sewing machines, furnish her home, and install electricity and water in her home someday. She has already saved an additional $25 toward these goals.
