From June through August of 2008, Matt Mitro (Founder and President) traveled to Rwanda to expand Indego Africa's presence and launch the Hand Up program.  Ben Stone (Senior VP & General Counsel) and Byron Townsend (VP Marketing) each joined Matt for two weeks.  The trip was a life-changing experience for the visitors and an incredible success for Indego Africa and its partners.

SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM FOR SOME INCREDIBLE PHOTOS AND VIDEO

Some highlights of the trip:

Orphans of Rwanda Partnership & Internship Program

Indego Africa is now a partner with Orphans of Rwanda, hiring three of its best scholarship students at the National University in Butare and the Kigali School of Financing and Banking to administer Indego Africa’s Hand Up training program in computer literacy and management.  The interns will be supervised by Jean de Dieu Niyomugabo (“Jado”), a survivor of the genocide and soon-to-be law graduate of the top Rwandan university.

Covanya's New Computer Center

Covanya, a cooperative of 30 women who produce traditional Rwandan baskets, is making incredible progress.  Through the generosity of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, Indego Africa was able to install a comprehensive computer center - a momentous step!  Starting September 8, Covanya will also begin a 17-day course in advanced weaving training. 

With Indego Africa’s assistance, the women of Cocoki cooperative (formerly ANGE) have taken over responsibility for managing their own organization, offering the women a chance for substantial leadership roles.  Cocoki continues to produce beautiful textile products, such as wine coasters and handbags (coming soon!).  In addition, the women now make the product tags included with all Indego Africa products, putting them one step closer to their customers.   Cocoki will also receive support from an HIV/AIDS organization in Rwanda called CHAMP, part of the U.S. PEPFAR program.  Cocoki is one of only a handful of cooperatives (out of more than 3000 in Rwanda) of people living with HIV/AIDS that has a reliable source of export market income.

Indego Africa began exploring partnerships with two additional cooperatives, Ntibizongere (Kayonza) and Abizerana (Kigali).  Ntibizongere, which produces banana-leaf baskets and woven bracelets, is composed of genocide widows working side-by-side with the wives of men who killed their families.  Their focus is on unity and reconciliation through economic development.  Abizerana, a cooperative in Kigali that makes beautiful paper bead necklaces, is supported by Women for Women International, which conducts a number of basic educational programs that benefit the entire neighborhood.

One Campaign Delegation

Matt and Ben were honored to join the ONE Campaign delegation to Rwanda for an intimate dinner and discussion regarding Rwanda’s progress and potential.  The delegation included former U.S. Senate Majority Leaders Tom Daschle and Bill Frist, former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee, and Cindy McCain.  Read more about this incredible dinner: CLICK HERE.

Kigali Genocide Memorial Center Partnership

Indego Africa has partnered with the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center and will sell its specially-made “live-strong” style bracelets proclaiming either “I Love Rwanda” or “Genocide: Never Again.”  The Memorial Center is the primary authority on the Rwandan genocide and a critical resource for visitors and survivors.  It is an honor to join them in promoting genocide awareness.

Adventures

The Indego Africa team’s stay in Rwanda was not, of course, without its adventures.  Our car broke down on the long drive to Gisenyi, which resulted in a series of English / Kinyarwanda classes for local kids while waiting for the mechanic.  We served as warriors in a traditional Rwandan dowry ceremony.  We tracked the magnificent mountain gorillas through the jungle.  We used a shoe to play wiffleball.  And we made an incredible number of terrific Rwandan friends.

Ben Stone and Orrick

Made possible by the support of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, Benjamin Stone joined Indego Africa full-time as Senior Vice President and General Counsel on Sept. 3, 2008.  Needless to say, he’s excited.

PHOTOS AND VIDEO FROM THE TRIP

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As you can see, the women working in our partner cooperatives are facing difficult circumstances.  You can help them along, perhaps by sponsoring the purchasing of equipment or by sending their children to school.  Click below if you can help:

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