Programs

Hands of Mothers is committed to developing the capacity of women to build resilient livelihoods and financial independence. In Rwanda, we work in partnership with the AIDS organization WE-ACTx. All of our program beneficiaries are living with HIV and are receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support from WE-ACTx. However, without a source of regular income, they are not able to purchase food for themselves and their children. The vast majority of WE-ACTx patients eat, on average, less than one meal per day.

Entrepreneurship and Micro-Lending

Our newest and most ambitious program to date was developed to meet the needs and actualize the dreams of the women in the WE-ACTx Sex Workers Support Group. Participants in our Sex Work to Safe Work Initiative complete basic literacy and numeracy education, establish savings and lending groups and receive training in entrepreneurship skills. Working individually or in pairs, viable participants develop business plans and are vetted for the competitive microloan and mentoring program. We invite you to meet Clementine, one of our loan recipients.

Vocational Training and Internships

Vocational training has proven to be an effective strategy for poverty reduction in Rwanda. Hands of Mothers has funded vocational training and internships in tailoring, which is one of the most versatile and desirable trades for WE-ACTx beneficiaries with little formal education. Post-graduation, the tailors are given the prized “tools of their trade” - a manual sewing machine, worktable and chair, iron, and tailor shears. This education and equipment empowers and enables them to join a sewing cooperative or to start their own tailoring business. The profile of Francine, one of the program graduates, provides some insight into the transformative power of this program. Hands of Mothers has also funded training programs in cosmetology and the burgeoning field of hospitality.

Cooperative Development

Hands of Mothers has co-created, capacitated, and mentored 6 cooperatives in Rwanda with over 140 members. The cooperatives are listed below, from oldest to newest:

Ineza Sewing Cooperative

Solidarite’ Weaving Cooperative

Ejo Hazaza Jewelry Cooperative

Dutete Screen Printing and Promotional Products Cooperative

Baho Organic Market Garden and Chicken Cooperative

Twiyubake Leather Sandal Cooperative

These groups produced diverse lines of products, including fashion-forward personal and home accessories, woven traditional and contemporary baskets, beaded jewelry, screen-printed labels and t-shirts, and organic vegetables and eggs from the thriving BAHO Agricultural Cooperative.

Women’s Literacy

Education is a major component of our development efforts.  Most of the women and young adults with whom we work have had little or no education – a legacy of the genocide, poverty and poor health.  Contrary to large development organizations, our education initiatives focus on results rather than statistics. Working one-on-one or in small groups, participants learn to read, write and do basic math - the fundamental tools necessary to manage money.  Our literacy program is the first step in the Entrepreneurship training program. Hands of Mothers also funds training in computer literacy and English language classes.

School Fees Program

Hands of Mothers funds school fees for children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend school due to the high cost. Starting with 52 girls in 2018, we currently fund over 160 children in preschool through secondary school. In addition to paying school fees, Hands of Mothers funds uniforms, lunch, books and supplies as well as sanitary pads to remove all barriers to school attendance.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have been able to fund 36 high school students this year to attend coveted local boarding schools. As the children of sex workers, they are at high risk of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Boarding school offers a safe haven where students eat 3 meals per day, can concentrate on their studies and can learn to be contributing members of a community.

Meet 2 of our first 52