It's great to be back in Rwanda! Tom and I have been meeting with the women in our partner coops, catching up with our local team, setting an ambitious agenda, and polishing up on our Kinyarwanda . . .
Me: "Murabeho. Amakuru?" (Hello, how are you?)
He/She: "Ni meza. Wit wande?" (I'm fine. What's your name?)
Me: "Nitwa Matayo." (My name is Matt - using my Kinyarwandan name)
He/She: [hysterical laughter]
As enjoyable as it is to be back here, it's also time to make some headway on important projects. The following are my top priorities:
(1) Finding a new location for Cocoki which is more secure and closer to the market;
(2) Setting up both a major sewing installation and a computer center at Cocoki;
(3) Formalizing partnerships with other NGOs to provide services outside our core competencies (specialized nutrition, land rights advocacy, literacy training);
(4) Introducing a range of new products, both for export and domestic sale (more info to come);
(5) Launching our first service tourism projects with a group from Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and
(6) Finishing up our social impact assessment.
I look forward to bringing you updates on each of these projects. Indego Africa always sets forth a grand vision for our trips to Rwanda and this trip is no exception. A particular thanks to our team members (Tom Mitro and Ben Stone in particular) who are traveling a great distance to pursue our important mission. Keep reading Social Enterprising for more updates . . . .
- Matt
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