SPOT Project update: September 2024
SUPPORT KIDS SCHOOLING
We’re excited to share an update on the SPOT project in Busengo. As a new school year begins, we’re continuing to support families in sending their children to school. All the students we supported last year have successfully completed the school year and will continue in the SPOT program.
This year, we’ll be supporting 89 students across various grade levels: 2 in preschool, 48 in elementary school, and 39 in secondary school. Our support will cover school fees, school meals, supplies, books, uniforms, and more, depending on individual needs. This initiative is crucial in combating the high dropout rates in the region.
A NEW COMMUNITY CENTER
Beyond education, we’ve also addressed a critical need in the community: a dedicated space for training and community activities. To empower the community, especially marginalized groups, we’ve established a new Community Training Center.
The SPOT project has completely revitalized the sewing workshop, providing a significantly enhanced learning environment. We’ve rented and secured a spacious 100-square-meter building dedicated solely to community training. This new space is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, including 4 new mechanical sewing machines, an electric finishing machine, and a specialized machine for buttonholes and more complex stitches. By borrowing additional machines from a neighboring parish, we’ve created 10 well-equipped workstations. Each workstation is furnished with essential tools and a generous supply of colorful kitenge fabrics. A blackboard and television have been added to facilitate both learning and community engagement. The centre will provide training for local women, helping them develop valuable skills and generate income.
Thanks to a partnership with INES-Ruhengeri University and the European Erasmus+ project GREATER, the center is entirely self-sufficient, powered by solar panels. This makes it a “living lab” for students to learn about renewable energy and raises awareness among the community about sustainable practices.
GRAND OPENING
On Thursday, September 19th, the grand opening of the new “Community Training Center” (INZU Y’AMAHUGURWA in Kinyarwanda, the local language) was a resounding success. The event was attended by the District Mayor of Gakenke, the Rector of INES-Ruhengeri University, a representative of the Diocese, various local officials, and a large number of local residents. Approximately 200 people were present and toured the new center.
Just a few days later, the center launched its tailoring training program with the first group of 20 women, divided into two groups of 10. The training will last approximately 6 months, after which a new group can begin. The machines will remain available to the community, empowering trained women to start their own small cooperatives and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the project.
This was a significant milestone for our project. After an intense period of preparation, it allowed us to make a tangible demonstration of our solidarity with the community of Busengo. The center’s dedication to training activities is particularly meaningful to us, as it is a key element for the growth and empowerment of the population.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Parish Priest, Father Règis, and the entire community for their support of the event. A special thanks goes to Mirco, Eraste, Viviane, and Aliane for their precious help.