Through funding from the Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund, Survivors Fund (SURF) along with our partner Foundation Rwanda, have been supporting a special income generating project for a group of 25 women survivors of the Rwandan genocide.

The project has been coordinated by Indego Africa, an innovative social enterprise that partners with women artisans in Rwanda on a fair trade basis to drive forward a sustainable, long-term solution to systemic poverty in Africa.

The group are all members of the Eastern Region branch of AVEGA Agahozo (Association of Widows of the Genocide) and mothers of children who are beneficiaries of Foundation Rwanda’s educational support programme.

These women – starting from the most difficult of circumstances – have organised themselves into their own forprofit business, the Abasangiye Cooperative (“Abasangiye”). Over the past few months through an intense series of training programs in financial management, literacy, and sewing, the confidence and the skills of the women has surged.

We are delighted to announce that Abasangiye is now poised to deliver a wide variety of textile products to the international export market! Abasangiye currently carries a line of vibrant Garlands and Ball Ornaments, designed by Indego Africa, that are perfect for the holiday season!

To support the women, you can now buy the products yourselves – further information available here. If you are a retailer, then you may be interested in the extensive line of products by the Indego Africa cooperatives.

We hope that you will support these remarkable women.

Thank you!