A country rich in beauty and natural resources, Rwanda has made great strides toward reducing poverty 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 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 to protect endangered gorillas. Traditionally trained as potters, Batwa face the added challenge of their livelihood being eroded as imported plastic products replace ceramic 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 distributes water filters to Batwa families and offers income-generating opportunities for those who produce and sell filters to the broader community. Given Batwa people’s traditional expertise in ceramics, the initiative uniquely leverages and celebrates indigenous knowledge and skills. Earlier this year, AIMPO launched its facility and trained 45 potters in water filter production. The program is now focused on building a sustainable business model and spreading awareness in Batwa communities about the benefits of drinking clean, filtered water.