PICO delegation sees amazing progress – Santa Clara University pledges support for more growth.

Five PICO delegates just returned from Rwanda. We saw clinics, schools, houses, water, electricity, community centers and business that people built from the ground up in isolated areas. But we were even more impressed with the confidence exuding from former prostitutes, homeless women, subsistence farmers, and ordinary people as they shape their own future and hold themselves and government officials accountable. We also witnessed a hunger to do much more – to finish projects they have started; to start new businesses; and to spread this effort across Rwanda.

We believe anything possible with these leaders. We are excited about the growing commitment of Santa Clara University to partner with PICO Rwanda to bring the expertise and resources needed to compliment organizing. A delegation of major donors from the Santa Clara University Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship joined us for an afternoon to hear PICO Rwanda leaders’ story and pledge support to utilize the Jesuit Cristus Center as a training hub for organizing and entrepreneurial leadership. Starting this summer, leaders will gather to continue strengthening their organizing skills. In additon, interns and mentors from the Miller Center will coach these leaders to develop and implement business plans for their emerging enterprises including agricultural, welding, roofing and artisan craft cooperative businesses.