Our Partnership with AIMPO

Indigenous ethnic groups in Rwanda, including the Batwa, face disproportionately higher barriers to health and economic well-being.  Batwa traditionally lived and hunted for food in the thick forests of central Africa, but were evicted in the 1970s in an effort to protect endangered gorillas.  Most now live on government-designated land.  Due to their relatively recent transition to new homes and limited income to build sanitation infrastructure, a majority of Batwa community members live without basic sanitation.  Across Rwanda, only 64% of people have access to sanitation services, and these numbers are much lower in Batwa villages like Bukamba.

We’re partnering with African Initiative for Mankind Progress Organization (AIMPO) to reduce the spread of disease and infection in Batwa communities through improved hygiene and sanitation.  As an indigenous founded and led organization, AIMPO deeply understands their community’s needs and desires.  Through our partnership, a new Community Hygiene Center will be constructed in Bukamba Village (Gicumbi District) for the purposes of: 1) educating the community about hygiene and sanitation practices, 2) demonstrating low-cost latrines and hand washing facilities made of locally available materials, and 3) producing basic hygiene products like soap and reusable menstrual pads.