Hands Of Mothers

Programs: 2016 updatehom added a peace corps response volunteer position in rwanda to assist in staff and cooperative capacity building and development of strategic partnerships in rwandaejo hazaza started a mushroom pilot. Demonstrated a demand for mushrooms. The challenge now is to meet that demand. They also received their official government certification with assistance from homthe twyubake sandal cooperative was awarded two grants to support work - us embassy and peace corps. They also received their official government certification with assistance from hombaho agricultural association update- land for farming was lost in march. Hom raised $6000 for a new plot of land which is still being located. Therefore, a suitable space was identified and training has begun for raising chickens! They will begin with 50 chickens. Young mothers group-hom extended 3 new microloans and funded a vocational training program for 1 member in cosmetology. With assistance from hom, all cooperatives are now officially registered with the government. Baho gardens is not large enough to be a cooperative and is therefore an association. Hands of mothers (hom) continued assistance in all previous cooperatives as 2015. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------during 2015, hands of mothers (hom) assisted the following cooperatives in rwandaineza sewing- assisted 27 individuals: expanded product line and marketing opportunites, increased self-sufficiencyejo hazaza jewelry-assisted 25 individuals: expanded product line and marketing opportunities, developed and maintained a successful savings and lending program, increased self-sufficiency, began process of cooperative registration. Baho gardens- assisted 19 individuals- developed a year-round productive garden, expanded customer base, developed and maintained a successful savings and lending program, increased self-sufficiency and began process of cooperative registration. Dutete screen printing t-shirts-assisted 16 individuals-performed a detailed market analysis to determine viability of this cooperative; worked on increasing quality and profitability through better purchasing; training members in financial management. Expanded customer base and product line, improved production skills, began process of cooperative registration. New for 2015-twiyubake sandal group-assisted 15 individuals-expanded customer base and product line, improved production skills, increased self-sufficiency and began process of formation as a registered cooperative. Ymg-young mothers group-assisted 31 young mothers-provide training to start or expand micro-businesses. In 2013 manos de madres expanded the baho cooperative garden size, diversity of crops and production. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are grown for improved nutrition for this vulnerable population. In 2014 baho was rewarded an increased land grant from the government. Manos de madres provided a grant to purchase additional tools, drip irrigation equipment, natural fertilizer and seeds. Manos de madres hired the services of a local organic gardener to provide weekly assistance. The japanese embassy funded a fence around the garden to protect against theft. Baho now sells vegetable and herbs at their garden, the we-actx offices and the us embassy on friday market. Manos de madres expanded the dutet printing cooperative from 2 to 20 members. Secured an ambassador self-help grant that provided funds to acquire the equipment and training neccessary to launch their advertising and promotion printing business. Also in 2013 manos de madres launched the young mothers group (ymg) entrepreneurship project. Provided training to this group of 18 women hoping to start or expand micro-businesses. Developed detailed business plans for each enterprise that will be funded through micro-loans, starting in 2014. In 2014 four initial loans were extended. Scheduled loan payments are being made. Manos provided ongoing marketing and sales support to the ineza and ejo hazaza cooperatives to expand their domestic and international markets. Provided training in bookkeeping and computer literacy to key cooperative members. In 2012 manos de madres successfully transitioned tailoring interns to individual enterprises by providing them with "tools of their trade"-sewing machine, table and chair, scissors, iron, ironing table and pad. All are now able to pay rent and buy food and are optimistic about their future. In 2012 manos de madres launched the baho cooperative garden to grow crops for improved nutrition and income generation. In 2012 manos de madres strengthened the dutete printing cooperative through further development of the screen printing and business knowledge and skills. In 2012 manos de madres funded a program consultant to work with the ejo hazaza jewelry cooperative teaching english, computer skills and business management on a weekly basis. Also assisting as translator with international customers and advocate with rwandan financial and government institutions. The consultant continues to assist ineza cooperative providing the same training and development. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------in 2011 manos de madres enabled 12 students to attend new hope academy, a one year vocational training in tailoring-a respected profession in rwanda. In 2011 the ejo hazaza coop, established by manos de madres, was awarded a us embassy grant to build the first and only glass kiln in rwanda. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------in 2010, manos de madres established the ejo hazaza women's cooperative in nyacyonga, rwanda. This cooperative is comprised of 35 women, all of who are living with hiv/aids and are patients of we-actx for hope. As a result of good medical care that the receive, the women are well and their babies were born hiv negative. However, to insure the virus is not transmitted to their children, medical protocol requires they stop breastfeeding at 6 months. This is a daunting challenge, as they do not have money for formula. As members of the cooperative, they are producing jewelry made from fabric with tools and supplies provided by manos de madres. They named their cooperative ejo hazaza(which translates as 'tomorrow' in kinyarwanda) as they now have hope they and their children will live to see tomorrow.