In Kicukiro, a district on the outskirts of Kigali in Rwanda, inequality affects a large proportion of the population excluded from the ‘Rwandan miracle’.

Since 2002, the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul have been working in this region to help the most disadvantaged, who suffer from poverty and unemployment. The sisters try to provide them with education, social support and professional integration to help them emerge from precariousness.

 "Most of the residents come from families in difficulty and are exposed to begging or unemployment. They are trying to improve their situation through economic activities. But they lack the basic capital that will enable them to develop their businesses and operate legally on the local markets." Sr Théodosie

This activity will provide them with a regular source of income to meet their family's basic needs. 

The aim of the project is to allocate a small amount of capital to 20 beneficiaries selected by the sisters to develop income-generating activities in fixed locations: small shops selling food or goods, in the market or by the side of major roads, hairdressing, tailoring or mobile phone service shops, etc. The children of these families will also indirectly benefit from the project. 
The 41 children of these families will also indirectly benefit from this project.

"The beneficiaries were identified during home visits, market purchases and by listening to them; we witnessed their courage, their initiatives to set up a few basic activities so as not to beg." Sr Théodosie

At the same time, these 20 people - mothers, single people and young unemployed people :

- receive training in financial management

- will be made aware of the importance of regular work and how to organise themselves to ensure a presence in their homes

- be encouraged to open a personal bank account to save a small amount each month for the future, to help them grow their business or to meet urgent family needs

- be supported by regular visits and personalised follow-up in collaboration with the local authorities to ensure the legality of their business activities and facilitate their growth.

"The aim is to provide these beneficiaries with stable employment that will increase their household income and promote their dignity and integration into their community. In the long term, we want to make these small businesses self-sufficient through savings.
Thank you for your support during this important Lenten season!" Sr Theodosie