Thirty-five leaders started a pepper cooperative to improve economic conditions in 2016. They provided their own land and labor and raised $75 to buy seeds. By fall, they harvested their first crop and sold it for $750. Roslyn, chair of…
We are truly grateful to Lori & Baxter Rice (San Francisco); Bill & Stacia Masterson (San Jose); Fr. Aidan McAleenan & St. Columba Parish (Oakland); Judy & Marty Baumann (Sacramento); Colleen & Bill Anderson (Chicago); Consuelo Cabugos ((San Diego); and…
Two student interns from the SCU Miller Center for Entrepreneurship will work with Mumeya leaders to develop a plan to transition their welding school from a training center to a business. For four weeks in July, they will examine production…
We are proud to welcome Fr. Innocent Rugaragu, SJ to the permanent staff of PICO Rwanda. We congratulate him on completing his degree as Doctor of Philosophy in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University. His dissertation is titled,…
In meetings this past month, COFOA leaders learned from the Minister of Public Works and the Chief Engineer that the bridge over Rio Roldan is finally under design. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2017. The bridge…
What does it take to unify a community where young people and families are threatened with violence, extortion and intimidation on a daily basis? For three years, COFOA has gathered faith, community and public leaders around a “Dialogue and Strategy…
Launched in April, OPODNE staff Florcie Tyrell and Marc Aurel just completed a round of leadership training seminars in all 11 communities where OPODNE organizes. In most locations, over 30 leaders participated. Training sessions focused on strengthening community outreach and…
Haitian subsistence farmers struggle to produce crops because of cycles of drought and floods. At the same time, most people don’t have consistent income to buy food for their families. OPODNE leaders in Terrier Rouge are seeking ways to bridge…
A lot has happened in the last year in Rwanda – a new clinic opened in Rusumo; water, electricity and a welding school have come to Mumeya; more homes are being built and roofed by the women of Nyange. Want…
In April, OPODNE Director Florcie Tyrell launched spring leadership workshops for leadership teams from 13 communities across the Northeast Department. The first workshop took place in Terrier Rouge, where members are cleaning up the main square, the streets around the…
