Yesterday was another fantastic day! In the morning we were taken to another potential Food Security site - Kibilizi. A poor area, with not much land, but a community already demonstrating working together to help each other. There is quite a commitment to education with a pre-school started in April of 247 for children ages 3 to 7! This includes a number of 'street children'.
We met with representatives from the community who told us some of the things they were doing. For example, one woman talked of an association that she belongs that meet each week. At this meeting, each member puts in 100 Rwf (that would equal to less than $.25 in Canada). From this they are able to help each other. They give out loans to members as capital to try and start income generating activities, and collect the money back with small interest. With the money they make, they buy animals to try and combat poverty.
We met with representatives from the community who told us some of the things they were doing. For example, one woman talked of an association that she belongs that meet each week. At this meeting, each member puts in 100 Rwf (that would equal to less than $.25 in Canada). From this they are able to help each other. They give out loans to members as capital to try and start income generating activities, and collect the money back with small interest. With the money they make, they buy animals to try and combat poverty.
After lunch we had a few visitors. Kabanda, the student Mackenzie's class at Pender Harbour Secondary supports, brought his mother by for a visit. They had some nice gifts for everyone! He is a very nice young man!
Then we headed out to do some more APAP visits! We made it to three farms! Rachael reports that these farms are three that are very consistent in their animal husbandry. One man, Aldephonse, is a businessman who has vision. He has a biogas set up at his farm that uses the cow manure to produce electricity for a stove and a light! His wife also runs an association that teaches local women who are struggling for income (widows and orphans) how to make baskets, drums and clothing to sell. Another opportunity to shop!!!!!!!
Then we headed out to do some more APAP visits! We made it to three farms! Rachael reports that these farms are three that are very consistent in their animal husbandry. One man, Aldephonse, is a businessman who has vision. He has a biogas set up at his farm that uses the cow manure to produce electricity for a stove and a light! His wife also runs an association that teaches local women who are struggling for income (widows and orphans) how to make baskets, drums and clothing to sell. Another opportunity to shop!!!!!!!
We rushed back from farm visits to the office to meet with our agent, the Bishop of the Kigeme Diocese. We were able to give him an overview of what we've done and seen so far. He expressed his appreciation for all the projects and acknowledge the great things the team was doing in building relationships! He commented on the large number of friends he could see that Mackenzie, Samantha and Hannah have made - simply by playing out on the street by the guesthouse!