Continuing our series of articles from our Annual Report 2023/24, we outline here our work on our Good Gifts Initiative.
Through funding from the Good Gifts Catalogue, an initiative of the Charities Advisory Trust, we have extended our support to thousands of widows and orphans that are beneficiaries of our ongoing livelihoods program, enabling them to become more independent and self-sufficient. Good Gifts make a great Christmas present!
Survivors Fund (SURF) aims to alleviate the impact of poverty on vulnerable survivors by strengthening their families to secure viable livelihoods. The funding from Good Gifts helps to set up income generating projects which empower communities to fight poverty and take more active role in determining their lives.
Many survivors have been supported, receiving livestock, agricultural materials, solar lights and cookers, meals for schoolchildren and much more. The support from Good Gifts has played a significant role in enabling us to empower vulnerable survivors and their dependents. The livelihoods programme has helped beneficiaries to improve their lives. For example, those that have received solar lights and clean cookstoves are making savings for their households as they are no longer spending on kerosene, as well as saving time used to collect firewood. For that support they, and we, are greatly appreciative.
Amongst the gifts we have donated this year are:
In Rwanda, the significance of owning a cow for genocide survivors is rooted in economic, social, and cultural dimensions. This importance largely aligns with the Rwandan government’s Girinka (“One Cow per Poor Family”) program, which aims to support the welfare and empowerment of vulnerable populations, including genocide survivors.
In Rwandan culture, cattle have long been symbols of wealth and social status. Owning a cow not only elevates a survivors’ standing with the community but also re-establishes a sense of dignity and pride. This is crucial for emotional and psychological healing, especially for survivors who went through the tragedy of genocide.
Margarita is among the genocide survivors from Karongi District who benefited from receiving a cow by Survivors Fund (SURF) through the support of Good Gifts.
“You know very well that a cow can provide milk, which can improve the nutrition of household and be a source of income through sales. Milk and dairy products offer a steady food supply, helping to fight malnutrition and providing a source of income that can be used to support other basic needs. Cows contribute to sustainable farming practices by providing manure, which can be used as natural fertiliser, and improves soil fertility and crop yields, enhancing food security and income from crop sales, especially valuable in rural Rwanda”.
The symbolic gift of a cow represents compassion and care from the government and community, offering survivors a renewed sense of hope and purpose. This sense of support can be instrumental in aiding mental health recovery and providing a vision for a more secure future.
Climbing beans, or ibishyimbo by’imikonde in Kinyarwanda, are a significant staple crop in Rwanda. It is known for its high yield, nutritional value, and suitability to Rwanda’s high-altitude, mountainous terrain. Climbing beans have been particularly instrumental in food security and income generation for smallholder farmers in Rwanda.
Climbing beans are rich in protein, iron, and other essential nutrients, which are crucial for the local diet, especially in rural areas where access to diverse foods may be limited. As a crop with high yields and nutrient density, climbing beans play an essential role in fighting malnutrition and supporting food security across the country.
In terms of economy, climbing beans provide a valuable income source for smallholder farmers, who sell surplus produce at local markets. Geovani is one of the farmers who benefits from selling the beans after the harvest.
Geovani is one of the farmers from the northern part of the country who has decided to cultivate this kind of beans in his village. The main reason for choosing climbing beans is because of their favourable ability to produce higher yields than bush beans and grow vertically and making efficient use of limited land space.
In a good season, Geovani is able to harvest 200kg per season, 0.50p per Kg, which makes him £93. Survivors Fund (SURF), through Good Gifts support, has enabled Geovani to expand his farming and do it in a big landscape.
“I have decided on this type of bean, simply because our country is a hill landscape, and farmers have adapted terracing methods that help retain soil moisture and prevent erosion, this has provided an idea of growing climbing beans. Another reason is that this type requires relatively low levels of fertilizers and are resilient against many common pests, making them accessible for small-scale farmers.
“Before, I used to harvest between 40 kg to 50kg in a season, but Survivors Fund has supported me and given seeds, fertilisers and technical support to make 200 Kg per season. I am very grateful for the support, and I will continue expanding my farming to the bigger landscape”.
Various agricultural programs in Rwanda focus on improving climbing bean varieties, providing training to farmers on optimal planting techniques, and increasing access to quality seeds. Good Gifts is contributing to the government’s priorities by providing the seeds and technical advice to the farmers to cultivate climbing beans and be able to support sustainable practices, improve resilience to climate change, and ultimately increase yields to support food security and economic development.
Shoes, represent a simple yet powerful tool for breaking down educational and social barriers, fostering a healthier, more dignified, and inclusive environment for all students, especially those from low-income backgrounds. Without shoes, students are more susceptible to infections, parasitic diseases (such as hookworm), and injuries from rough or unsafe walking surfaces.
Shoes, also, protect children’s feet from harsh weather, rough terrain, and dangerous objects. For students in rural areas who may have to walk long distances to school, shoes are essential for safe, consistent travel to and from their education facilities. In many communities, having proper shoes is often a requirement for school attendance. Proper footwear can significantly reduce these health risks, leading to better overall well-being and fewer health-related absences from school.
Bugesera Primary School is among the schools In Rwanda which presented a large number of young students who are coming to school without shoes while walking a long distance. On the donation of shoes to the students at the school, the headteacher commented:
“We have over 200 students who are suffering from not having shoes, most of them are coming from poor families where they cannot afford the shoes for their children, instead of them missing schools they prefer walking barefoot. We thank you very much for the donation of 100 pairs of shoes which will be given to the poor students. They will attend classes regularly and be able to move from one place to another without difficulties walking.”
Providing shoes removes a barrier for students whose families may struggle to afford them, leading to higher attendance rates and more consistent learning experiences. When students have suitable footwear, they are more comfortable, which enables them to focus better on their studies instead of worrying about injuries or cold feet. This improved comfort can lead to greater engagement and academic performance in the classroom.
Bicycles
Bicycles can be a powerful tool for young genocide survivors in Rwanda to develop sustainable businesses through transport and delivery services.
Bicycles can enable young survivors to establish affordable transport services, commonly known as boda-boda or bike taxis. This service is essential in both urban and rural areas, as it provides low-cost, eco-friendly transportation. This helps generate steady income and promotes local mobility.
With the growing demand for delivery services, especially in urban areas, bicycles can be used for small-scale courier businesses. Young survivors could partner with local shops, restaurants, and online vendors to offer delivery options. For young survivors in rural areas, bicycles will allow them to transport goods like crops, produce, and other products to local markets. This accessibility helps expand the farmers’ business reach and boosts sales.
Bicycles have low operating costs as a business, and require minimal maintenance, and as they do not require fuel, they provide a sustainable, scalable way to start a business and achieve financial stability for young survivors. One of the many beneficiaries of the programme is Osward from Muhanga District in the Southern Province, who commented:
“I cannot express my happiness after receiving this bicycle. After I finished high school, I could not get a passing grade to allow me to attend university. Since then, I have seen no direction in my life. I have attempted suicide several times as could not see my bright future and thinking about my family I have lost during the genocide against the Tutsi. I have received mental health support through Survivors Fund peer counselling group, and now I am feeling like a valuable person in my community and my country. This Bicycle is going to help me make money through transportation and get small money to support my family.”
The support of Good Gifts has enabled Survivors Fund (SURF) to buy bicycles for many young genocide survivors such as Osward, who are using them to generate income to enable them to better look after themselves and their families.