On January 20, 2024, a SPOT project delegation met with the Busengo community. Besides Father Regis Bagerageza and Dr. Mireille Birero, Susanna Schianchi, Martina Giuffrè, Roberto Valentino e Paolo Ciampolini were present. Pia Lovengreen and Luciana Stortoni were connected online from Europe.
In an first meeting, we spoke with representatives of families involved in the microfinance plan supported by the project. 141 families were represented. Father Regis Bagerageza introduced the project to them, explaining its rules and opportunities. Afterwards, some community representatives spoke, explaining the organization of the community, their project and the management of a common fund, to which all families contribute with some monthly savings. Such a fund will be complementary to the SPOT project funding, in a co-financing scheme that highlights the commitment and accountability of the entire community.
Then, we met all the kids currently selected for school support: 58 children have already been enrolled in the program, mostly attending primary school and at risk of dropping out. Also the school tutors were present: 7 of them have been appointed and given the task of monitoring project outcomes, also personally following up with each of the children and pointing out any problems and emerging needs. Dr. Mireille Biraro led the meeting. Some students took the floor to express their gratitude for the opportunity they received. Teachers have expressed their appreciation as well.
A few words were spoken in closing by Paolo Ciampolini, stating how pleased the SPOT team and the association are to be allowed to take part in Busengo’s own community projects.
A quick snack was finally offered by the Parish to all children to celebrate the meeting.
On the occasion of the meeting, we also visited the tailoring workshop and butcher shop that are part of the family empowerment projects. In particular, the construction of a new building for meat slaughtering and storage has been nearly completed and will make it possible to start micro-business activities for meat trading.
Overall, it was a beautiful day of hope and friendship, which we want to cultivate and make grow again in the near future.