Rwanda offers an ideal environment in which to launch and sustain the Hand Up program. In 2003, Rwanda ratified a new constitution and elected a new Parliament and President. Rwanda is now one of the safest and least corrupt nations in sub-Saharan Africa, and is prepared to develop into a strong member of the global economy. To further this goal, the government has pledged to greatly broaden its IT sector as part of the Vision 2020 initiative and provide computer access to every child by 2020. Currently less than 1% of the population in Rwanda uses the Internet. The two components of the Hand Up program in Rwanda, explained below, are representative of the approach that Indego Africa will take with future partners.

Given the government’s heavy emphasis on computer usage, Indego Africa will organize numerous computer training classes each year and eventually establish a computing center in each partner cooperative. Indego Africa also will develop a four‑part financial skills workshop covering the first two years of the Hand Up program. Program curriculum is being developed by volunteers for both components and Indego Africa likely will hire university students or interns to conduct many of the programs. In this way, Indego Africa gives opportunities to both its partners and young people who have few chances for professional development. Indego Africa seeks other NGOs operating in Rwanda to assist with the program. These activities would require equipment, utility installations and security devices.

Indego Africa seeks to ensure that its partner cooperatives can sustain and scale up both their commercial and developmental operations. The cooperative structure has proved an invaluable learning and supportive environment for women, but it must be managed effectively to provide benefits continually. Using its leaders’ significant business experience, Indego Africa will develop and implement management workshops for its partner cooperatives on recordkeeping, transparent payments, banking, customs paperwork, government licensing and effective communication.  It is likewise essential that the cooperative is a safe and healthy work environment. Indego Africa works together with each cooperative to develop a health and safety compliance plan and a security strategy for the premises. As with the other program components, curriculum is being written by volunteers for these workshops and help is being solicited from government partners and other NGOs to review the cooperatives’ workplace and practices.