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.

One Day’s Wages partnered with African Initiative for Mankind Progress Organization (AIMPO) – a nonprofit founded by and for members of the Batwa community – to reduce the spread of disease and infection through improved hygiene and sanitation.  Through our partnership, a brand new Community Hygiene Center was constructed in Bukamba Village, Gicumbi District.  The center is now a place to:  educate the community about hygiene and sanitation practices, demonstrate low-cost latrines and hand washing facilities made of locally available materials, and produce basic hygiene products like soap.  Those trained in soap making are now organized as a cooperative and selling both bars and liquid soap for earned income!