Teach 30 Rwandan Women to Read, Write & Calculate

Dear Sir / Madam,

We thank you for the collaboration and partnership towards women's development. Your support is of great importance to us. Currently we are at the beginning of the third term of our program, the first of September 2014.

In our last report we had mentioned that we had taught 20 women to read, write, solve math problems as well as introduce the subjects of women rights and some business skills. This training was carried out without obstacles. Additionally we managed to prepare for the end of second termexams, plans for the third term program, and carry out student study tours that helped them achieve business skills. We also sensitized students about the benefits of cooperatives in the development of our societies.  As a result, most of them are now enjoying being in cooperatives.

We would like to share with you the testimony of one of our students, Placidie, who managed to apply and receive a bank loan which she used to rehabilitate a house and erect a water tank from which she sells water to the neighbors. From this she is able to pay her children's school fees although she herself is a widow.  She thanks Let us Build Ourselves to have enabled her to better know the dignity and value of a girl in society and to take action. She says that if she has not been in this literacy program she wouldn't have been able to achieve all of this.

Chronic challenges continue to be:

-  Teachers salaries are paid irregularity.

-  Monthly operating costs continue to get higher.

- The issue of replacing the dancing troupes INZOVU (elephant) costumes remain unsolved.  The costumes are getting worn out and we now have to rent some when we are invited to perform. This dance troupe helps us in our fundraising.

The following is our plan:

-  Continue to teach reading, writing and mathematics as planned from the beginning.

-  Prepare for examinations for the end of the third term.

-  Increase study tours for students since they have proven to be impactful.

-  Continue encouraging students to form and join cooperatives.

-  Continue training women on their rights and business skills.

-  Organize the fifth graduation ceremony.

I would like to end by asking two questions.  In your country is the number of women bigger than the number of men as it is here in Rwanda? Do you have women in decision-making positions in large members, as it is the case here in Rwanda?

Once again, please accept our appreciation of your support and participation in advocating for women’s rights.

Thank you so much,

                                                The Team “Let us Build Ourselves" in Rwanda

Links:

• Global Grassroots