US Together Launches New International Projects in Rwanda

US Together’s Registration Certificate

In August 2021, US Together achieved a major and long-awaited milestone: receiving an official certification from Rwanda Governance Board to operate as an international non-governmental organization (INGO) in Rwanda. This was a monumental step in strengthening the relationship with our Rwandan partners and serving refugees where they are across the world.

Soon after its official registration, US Together launched a collaborative project with MOUCECORE aimed at supporting the livelihoods of vulnerable populations in Gisagara district, located in Rwanda’s Southern Province. The project’s goal is to empower forty Rwandan farmers and refugees from Mugombwa refugee camp with agricultural skills to provide food for their families and support the economic development of the region. This will be achieved by establishing a banana farming field where individuals will receive customized training and guidance on banana growing, modern farming techniques as well as business saving schemes.

Introductory meeting with project participants in Gisagara district

On September 23, 2021, Alexandre (Alex) Marara, US Together Program Coordinator in Rwanda, together with MOUCECORE’s representatives visited Gisagara district to meet with twenty refugees who have been selected to participate in the project. They participated in an introductory meeting where Alex welcomed the newly recruited Project Field Officer and discussed project objectives, expectations from project’s beneficiaries, work plans as well as other logistical details. In addition, project participants agreed to start a Voluntary Saving and Loans Program where every member of the group will be contributing weekly to a group saving account.

Project activities will continue for twelve months, culminating with harvesting of the banana plants. Anticipated results include planting two hectares of yellow and green bananas and harvesting at least 80 tons of fruit.