Overcoming poverty in Rwanda
“This project has changed my life because ignorance is a disease... Now, we are happy and work together. We are able to build houses.... people who do not live in the cooperative come to buy tiles from us and they…
Health care in Rusumo, Rwanda
“I learned about PICO through John R. He came up to me and asked me what kind of problems were the people in Rusumo facing. We talked for a long time. He asked me about what was the most pressing…
Nyange leaders are constructing storage shelter for roofing tile enterprise
Nyange leaders have begun construction of a shelter to house their roofing tile equipment and the tiles they are producing. After negotiating with government officials to secure land and timber to construct the shelter, leaders are working in partnership with…
Land is cleared for a new elementary school in a community trained by Mumeya leaders
The Mayor of Kirehe was so impressed with the work of Mumeya leaders, he asked them to train grassroots leadership in 30 other communities in the district. Ezra, Specioza, and Poline began training leaders from Gasarabwayi a village near the…
Mumeya leaders develop business plan for agricultural cooperative
With the support of Kyla Williams and Martin Riedler, Fellows from the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Stata Clara University, leaders from Mumeya attended seminars in Kigali and developed a business plan for their agricultural cooperative. At a Mumeya…
Rusumo leaders receive national recognition for efforts that built “Doc Taggart” Health Clinic
In June, the Rusumo community was presented the 2017 National Umuganda Award, recognizing their success in building the “Doc Taggart” Health Clinic in just eight months. Along with the trophy, they were presented a check for $1800 which the community…
Nyange cooperative get boost in tile making business
A team of engineering students from Santa Clara University travelled again this year to assist PICO Rwanda leaders in Nyange improve their tile making technology. Much of their week in Nyange was devoted to strengthening the tile press to make…
Thanks to the generous people who hosted fundraising receptions for Pr. John and PICO Rwanda
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…
Another partnership between PICO Rwanda and Santa Clara University
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…
PICO Rwanda welcomes new staff
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,…