A country rich in beauty and natural resources, Rwanda has made great strides toward reducing poverty and rebuilding after decades of political turmoil that culminated in the 1994 genocide.  However, 16% of Rwandans continue to live on less than $2.15 per day, and just 57% have access to clean drinking water. Indigenous ethnic groups like the Batwa face disproportionately higher levels of poverty and discrimination. Batwa people lived and hunted for food in the thick forests of central Africa for thousands of years but were evicted in the 1970s in an effort to protect endangered gorillas. Traditionally trained as potters, Batwa face the added challenge of their livelihood being eroded due to the arrival of imported plastic products that are replacing ceramic water vessels.

One Day’s Wages is partnering with AIMPO – a nonprofit founded by and for the Batwa community – to improve health outcomes and economic empowerment through a ceramic water filter cooperative.  The program will distribute free water filters to Batwa families who are not able to afford clean water, and offer income-generating opportunities for those who produce, market and sell water filters to the broader community.  Given Batwa people’s traditional expertise in ceramics, the initiative uniquely leverages and celebrates indigenous knowledge and skills.  In Year 1, AIMPO will procure specialized equipment to produce water filters, and begin training in production.  Year 2 & 3 will focus on capacity development and community outreach. By the end of 3 years, the Batwa-led cooperative will have the infrastructure and skills to sustain operations.