Let's Get Down to Business

by Kelly Bean
 

During the May trip, board member SeanCallahan from the UK was able to join me in Kigali for a valuable African Road review and strategic planning process. Since Lori had to return home early, we missed having her in the session! Thank goodness for phone, email, and Skype. It has only been two years since the story of AfricanRoad began and it continues to grow quickly. There is so much possibility for the future - so much we know God can do.

Planting grass on the land so the Togetherness preschool children can have a lawn to play on.

During this trip I visited government officials and leaders of non-profits to continue building strong relationships and to assure our legal status in Rwanda.  Our growing friendship with Rwandan Rotary club members is also a joy to continue to build. Four Rotarians visited the Togetherness Cooperative with me and were treated to an Intore dance performance. These Rwandan professionals were extremely impressed with the land and the progress the youth have made. They expressed interest in joining to help. It's always important to make good friends on the ground! 

Also, we made an exploratory trip into the neighboring country of Burundi. There is a remarkable cooperative working to help women who are coming off the streets in the capital city of Bujumbura. We attended the Amahoro conference there - a gathering of young, inspiring African leaders working for good in their countries. Pastor Steven was able to join us at the conference where he shared encouragement and good counsel with his peers across the continent.

Togetherness Cooperative youth dancing the traditional Intore

Women Looking Forward

by Kelly Bean

Chantal and Therese design a new pattern

 

In May Lori spent a week with the women of New Destiny. She and Alice (our translator and adviser) made a preliminary assessment of the tailoring business. The women talked about the structure of their cooperative and the possibility of growing and diversifying their business. She also worked with the women to create new product lines for the holidays - tiny basket ornaments and African print stuffed animals. These items will be sold at craft fairs this fall. 

Mukanese sews a sample craft

Before we left, we asked the members of New Destiny how they felt they were doing. The women reported that they feel better off than they were in the past. They have been able to relocate to a rented shop right next to the large open-air market in Kabuga. This brings them a brisk walk-in business. More tailoring training, more machines and a larger space are goals but they are making their way forward bit by bit.

Sample elephant dubbed "George"

Girls' Soccer Team

by Kelly Bean

Togetherness Cooperative girls

Soccer continues to be a primary and healthy focus for the orphans in Togetherness Cooperative.

We are so excited that the girls of Togetherness have formed a team! They may not have shoes or uniforms, but these young women are passionate and committed to succeeding.

They and the four boys' teams must play on a small, lumpy, steeply slanted field. When asked what small business is of most interest, the answer that comes quickly is: improving their soccer field so they can rent it out and become a soccer hub. Interestingly, a local government leader shared with me that this is a great need in the area and that they have appreciated the benefit of the field even in its current rough condition. 

The field is rough and slanted

Togetherness Cooperative boys (with my son, Elliot)

Togetherness Preschool

by Kelly Bean

When we arrived in Rwanda in May, it was a surprise and delight to discover that the young people had become certified to start a preschool!

Delphine taking attendance

Preschoolers checking out the visitors - Togetherness Cooperative

They care for neighbor children while their mothers spend mornings working in fields. Without an option for childcare little ones typically wander untended while their mothers work. For a nominal fee over 60 little ones ages 2-4 gather every weekday morning for songs, play, breakfast, learning their alphabet and numbers, and staying safe and supervised.

Boys at Togetherness preschool

 Local leaders praised the youth of Togetherness for this innovative contribution to the village. We are impressed with the initiative the older orphans took to start a small business and to care for their neighbors' needs.

Girls at Togetherness preschool

Preschoolers playing soccer on the Togetherness Cooperative land.

How to tell if you're an introvert

Togetherness Orphans Flourish and Grow

by Kelly Bean

Togetherness Cooperative Leadership Team prays for their community.

Not long ago the 80 orphans of Togetherness Cooperative were street kids. They were unkempt and alone. Now, thanks to the long-time dedication and care of Pastor Steven, the assistance of African Road, and your support, these orphans are in a whole new place. While they still bear the physical and emotional scars of the past, the social disgrace of being without biological family, and a lack of education -  they are now healthier, stronger, motivated, hardworking, and dignified. The orphans belong to a new kind of family, and have become leaders in their community.

Togetherness Cooperative is a shining success story in many ways. But needs remain, most importantly education. Without schooling or vocational training, the orphans will remain subsistence farmers and close to the poverty line. They express a fierce desire to receive basic schooling, and some even dream of attending University. African Road plans to help by starting a sponsorship program for vocational school and English classes.

We and Pastor Steven have spoken often with the youth at Togetherness about generosity. Anything they would receive was freely given, and receiving from others bestows the privilege and responsibility of the same generosity. They were blessed in order to be a blessing. We continue to be thrilled by how they have taken this to heart and made it part of their community DNA. Last year they told us how they’d started a work-day to help widows in their village who needed help with chores.

The Banana Blessing

My Favorite Story

Mature banana plants on Togetherness Cooperative land.

An already mature banana grove was on the land we purchased for the 80 orphans in November. Conditions were right and by early spring there was a bountiful crop of bananas ready to harvest. Bananas are a staple food item in Rwandan meals. They are a valuable crop. When the youth gathered their harvest they remembered their responsibility - they were blessed so that they could be a blessing. They all sat together and discussed the matter. Who were their neediest neighbors? Who could they share bananas with? They came to an agreement and selected the finest bananas of the harvest. Then they bore their generous gift of bananas to those in most need. Their eyes shone as they told us what they had done. We asked them what their neighbors thought and they reported that everyone was very surprised and happy. Who would have thought that lowly orphans would become benefactors in the village?! Then we asked them how it felt to be a blessing. “Very, very good” they beamed.  We believe that with access to good education these young people will become future leaders and people of integrity who will lead Rwanda forward.

Local leaders praised the youth of Togetherness for this innovative contribution to the village. We are impressed with the initiative the older orphans took to start a small business and to care for their neighbors' needs.