Africa Development Promise in Action: March 2024
(Jacob in the field helping his father interview different women in our programs)
When I first learned about Monica’s work at ADP five years ago, I was immediately fascinated. Promoting women-led cooperatives and businesses in Rwanda and Uganda seemed like an amazing mission, and I knew that I wanted to see it in person. Unfortunately, I was unable to see the programs in person in 2019, but the way Monica’s work was described to me stuck in my head for nearly five years. When I got the chance to go in 2024 I was elated! Because I was going to be assisting in interviewing program members, I was very ready to hear first hand accounts of how the cooperatives and the micro-business program affect rural women. I did not expect the almost immediate and significant effect it had on the participants.
My overall takeaways from the programs that we visited were that these women really start to thrive when the opportunity presents itself. Many women in Rwanda and Uganda do not have the same opportunities that are afforded to men. So, when Africa Development Promise assists in getting these women training or tools to build their businesses, differences between their previous and new lives are stark. The second, more specific takeaway, was just how impactful these programs can be in women’s lives. Having a source of income drastically and quickly improves lives. For example, I heard from the women that many were able to pay their children’s schools fees, many were able to begin saving money, and one woman has begun to buy healthier food for herself and her family. These are all considerable lifestyle changes that impact these women in a positive way. Finally, Africa Development Promise supports these women by teaching them skills and giving them assistance in starting a cooperative or small business. The in-country staff are extremely knowledgeable and support the women throughout the process. The resources and training that are made available clearly have practical uses in these women’s lives.
Furthermore, Africa Development Promise is unique because of the way that its programs promote real self-sufficiency. Once the businesses and cooperatives become established, they become self-sustaining and profitable. I would also say that the skills that ADP is teaching are undeniably relevant. Teaching computer literacy and business theory can completely change a person’s approach to starting their own business or getting hired for a career. In this vein, I noticed many of the women had entrepreneurial spirits. I saw repeatedly that the women had specific goals in mind for themselves and their groups; whether the goal was to increase to production at a cooperative, or begin a sewing business, I saw many women put 100% of their effort into getting a small business started, and keep that momentum going.
These women inspired me deeply; I feel lucky to have seen the important work that Africa Development Promise does. Many of these women are exposed to real hardship that people in the United States are not accustomed to. When you see women overcome their challenges it is so encouraging, and it affects other women who are watching as well. Many challenges seem impossible until you see your neighbor or a family member overcome them. I really believe that this kind of ripple effect is taking place because of Africa Development Promise’s work. It was especially inspiring to see older women taking classes and learning.
I would absolutely go back a second time. Talking with the women who are a part of these programs was such an inspiring and wholesome experience. Throughout the trip I felt that I was learning something new every day, whether it was about Rwandan or Ugandan culture, agricultural practices, or how small businesses are run. I hope I get the chance to go back as soon as I can!
-Jacob Di Biase
