The Women of Cocoki Support Haiti

One of the most extraordinary aspects of working in a globalized world at the grassroots level is how easy it is to forget that our partners in Rwanda are equally touched by the global media and eager to contribute to the alleviation of suffering.

The recent earthquake in Haiti has a special connection to Rwanda because of Paul Farmer’s Partners in Health, which started in Haiti before setting up shop in Rwanda’s north. PIH was quick to set up a benefit event for Haiti at a local restaurant. The benefit includes items donated for an auction to benefit the quake victims.

One of the organizers came to Indego asking if we would be willing to donate products for the auction. Given that the products are produced by our partner cooperatives, not us, we took the idea to them—it also seemed like a double gain in that the cooperative would get free publicity for their local market.

When we mentioned the earthquake, all of the women had heard about it. Amazing the power of globalized radio programming. We described the idea of an auction and how the proceeds would be going to benefit the survivors of the quake.

Our team was imagining that they would donate a few of their best-selling items as a strategic publicity move. We were blown away when they emerged from their stock room with their arms full of their most popular products—yoga bag, apron, oven mit, computer case, sling bag, wine bags, coffee bags, coasters and even sports bags. A few items is publicity, this could be described only as generosity.

For the women of Cocoki these products are their livelihood. The sales they make are how they feed their families. Yesterday they reached beyond their own needs to contribute to assist victims half a world away.

- Amity