Dear AIGINET supporters,
Happy spring and many thanks for your continued support for our mission of empowerment and social transformation.
This past winter, our pledge to increase our annual cow gift brought results beyond our expectations. The $4,000 raised served not only for the purchase of five cows but also for the launch of the Babehafi -“Let's Stay Close to Them “- Programme,
a senior center for elder care.
Through “Operation Cow”, AIGINET offers a gift that keeps giving as the cows provide ongoing sustenance for their beneficiaries. AIGINET has donated 11 cows thus far, making measurable improvements in the lives of vulnerable women. During this year’s cow giving ceremony on March 19, Cecile, a 58 year old widow, and last year’s recipient of “Imanzi”, testified how this valuable gift has changed her life for the better. Not only has her health has improved, the daily sale of 10 liters of milk has provided additional income allowing her to start her own agribusiness. She hopes that the 400 banana trees she has planted will, over time, generate a substantial income to help her renovate her crumbling home. Madeleine, another recipient, sees her cow “Umumarungu” as occupational therapy. The cow keeps her busy, and reduces her isolation. “I will have my hands busy and live my life to the fullest” she sang joyfully during the cow giving ceremony.
The cow giving ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate while serving as a space for dialogue between AIGINET, Duhozanye, and the local officials who attend. “We learn about the needs and aspirations of the vulnerable women,” says AIGINET founder and director Claire Umubyeyi. “As a result of this gathering , we have identified 12 elderly women with critical health challenges who need immediate care. They will be the first beneficiaries of Babehafi Programme Senior Center.”
Babehafi also received the endorsement of government officials. According to Ms Umubyeyi, the next step is to intensify efforts towards writing grants and mobilizing domestic resources, as we move towards the implementation of the Babehafi Programme. In the meantime, AIGINET will move ahead with smaller initiatives such as the purchase of physiotherapy equipment which will be used to start a wellness program for elderly women by a Duhozanye social worker who is currently being trained in that skill.
In conjunction with these activities, AIGINET and Duhozanye launched the first Empowerment Training on March 15th, with 20 women participating, including 12 elderly widows. The empowerment training is the result of AIGINET advocacy that enabled Mugeni Izere to attend a global Empowerment Workshop Certification Course in Jordan. Mugeni is a young mother, and a genocide orphan raised by Duhozanye. The training was received by the beneficiaries as a healing tool to regain self-esteem and overcome obstacles that hinder the potential of achieving personal and collective goals. Once certified, Mugeni will continue to lead the Empowerment trainings as a component of Babehafi Programme. Empowered to dream big and give back to this community, Mugeni aspires to become a member of the Parliament to advocate for survivors of the genocide against Tutsi.
AIGINET also visited Adar Tubahoze center for children with disabilities, and supported them with kitchen equipment and supplies. Our advocacy effort within the Rwandan youth community led to the placement of a volunteer to assist the center. In the meantime, AIGINET continues to advocate for Adar Tubahoze to secure the much-needed vehicle to serve as an ambulance and for recreational activities for the residents.
Thank you once again for your invaluable support to AIGINET in this incredible journey of solving overlooked challenges to build stronger grassroots communities, while ensuring greater ownership and sustainability.
Please stay tuned and contact us to get involved!
There are many ways you can help us reach our goals:
- Make a donation today to AIGINET's Operation Cow iniative
- Organize a fundraising event to contribute to AIGINET's Operation Cow initiative
- Purchase a handmade Peace basket.
- Contribute funds or expertise to the Bebhafi Senior Center Project
- Join: the AIGINET Cultural Exchange Trip for 2018!
