A Guest Blog From Rwanda
Last July, MSLO employee, Kate Lewis, shared a blog from the wonderful Santa Fe International Folk Art Market and now she has another one from a trip she took to Rwanda.
Hi - I am Kate, an employee who loves folk art and was a guest on Martha's Blog in July with my photographs from the amazing Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, which I attend each year. This market has a great impact on women cooperatives throughout the world, by giving artists, who are part of cooperatives, an opportunity to sell their crafts. In doing so, these women achieve economic stability, placing them on a new path of self-confidence and empowerment. I’ve been doing volunteer work for women cooperatives – my contribution to making sure that every woman is treated with respect and dignity. You may recall that one of the artists attending the Santa Fe Market was Janet Nkubana, a friend of mine for several years. Janet is a most inspiring individual, who has organized women cooperatives in her native African country of Rwanda, giving a voice to many women there.
I had traveled to Rwanda before the horrific Genocide of 1994 and fell in love with the beauty of the country and with the people. Last September, I had the opportunity to revisit and attend the wedding of Janet’s daughter, Lucy. I was also able to see the wonderful work that Janet and her sister, Joy Ndunguste, accomplish for women cooperatives. After the devastating Genocide that left over one million dead, Rwanda was faced with a tremendous gender imbalance, as so many males perished. Janet and Joy founded the Gahaya Links Cooperatives, making Rwanda’s ancient basket weaving tradition a source of livelihood for rural women. This model has proved successful in generating a livable income for more than 4,000 women, enabling those women to rise out of poverty and to feed and educate their children. I hope you enjoy these photos.
1 You may recall my blog from last July when I visited the International Folk Art Market in Sana Fe, New Mexico.
2 This is my friend, Janet Nkubana, at The Folk Art Market. This past September, I traveled to Rwanda, to attend her daughter, Lucy's wedding.
3 These are some of the beautiful baskets that are woven in Rwanda by women cooperatives. I was anxious to finally have the opportunity to meet these weavers and to observe their weaving techniques.
4 You may recall that I met Janet’s niece, Sara, at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market and I was pleased to learn that Sara would also be in Rwanda to attend her cousin’s wedding.
5 This was the start of the wedding ceremony, held one week prior, planned by the bride's family. Lucy looked beautiful walking with her mother. I arrived in time to attend the second ceremony, which is the religious service.
6 The religious service was planned by the groom’s family. Lucy and her new husband, Hassan, wore traditional African outfits. Behind are mother and aunts of the bride - three sisters - Josephine, Janet, and Joy.
7 These remarkable sisters, Joy and Janet, looked beautiful at the wedding.
8 Chantal is a very close friend of the family and was a total joy to be around during my stay. She is the perfect example of a great girl friend. She and Joy looked striking in their vibrant blue outfits.
9 After the wedding ceremony, African dancers dressed in colorful costumes entertained the guests.
10 The wedding cake display was remarkable. There were several layers and separate cakes. It's a tradition for the bride and groom to deliver a plate of cake to each of the guest tables.
11 When the wedding festivities were over, I wanted to visit other projects that are assisting the Rwanda people, their businesses, communities, and environment.
12 I visited Agahozo Shalom Youth Village, which means 'a place to dry one's tears and live in peace.' I've been a supporter of this village for the past four years and was excited finally see it.
13 This lovely residential community of 32 houses, provides a safe and secure village, home, and school for youth who were orphaned during and after the genocide of 1994. Each house can accommodate 16 children and a house-mother.
14 By Dec. 2011, 500 will be living in the village and going to school. This project was the vision of Anne Heyman and her husband, Seth Merrin. You can read more about this amazing project by visiting http://www.asyv.org
15 4 greenhouses have been built near the high school and I observed the children working in them. Their farm produces fruits and vegetables, providing a large portion of the Village's daily food needs. There is also a flock of 200 hens.
16 In the community center, there is a stage for the childrens' performances. There is also a music education program and I observed students playing guitar in the music recording center.
17 I was pleased to visit the crafts and sewing center, where several girls were constructing tote bags.
18 I also visited the training center for Gahaya Links in Kigali, a colorful and friendly space.
19 Women come to the training center to hone their skills at Rwanda's ancient basket weaving tradition and to learn new designs and create new products.
20 There are several experienced weavers who are present to assist the new trainees.
21 After seeing the training center, Janet took me to visit one of the cooperatives. Here is Janet with the president of this group of women. She was very proud of the baskets made by the weavers in her cooperative.
22 This building was provided by the Rwanda government. You can sense strong teamwork and camaraderie here. The women send their children off to school, tend to their homes and gardens, and then weave in the afternoon.
23 This woman was working on intricately woven beaded jewelry and I was amazed at the fine details of some of the weaving, as sections of the jewelry were formed.
24 Janet has 5 children and this is her youngest, Vanessa, age 12, who has already decided that she would like to become a doctor. Vanessa joined us for a visit to another cooperative in a small village called Gitarama, in the Southern Province.
25 It was here, under a tree, where Janet and Joy met with the first group of 20 women to start their cooperative program. As we drove into the pasture, sitting on the hill under the same tree were more than 60 women!
26 After greeting the women, Janet and the Cooperative President commenced the meeting with a lot of enjoyable laughter. Everyone was very anxious to hear about Lucy’s wedding.
27 Proudly dressed in her Santa Fe International Folk Art Market t-shirt was Pricille Kankindi, a master weaver, who traveled to Santa Fe with Janet, where she demonstrated her weaving skills at the market. It was great seeing her again.
28 Janet had invited a gentleman from a bank in Kigali, to speak to the weavers about their ability to have a savings account and the importance of saving. It was very enlightening to these women, who now have an income to manage.
29 In this area of Rwanda there are more than 1,000 weavers. Seeing this gathering of women was the highlight of my trip.
30 I so enjoyed observing these young women enjoying their time together.
31 Their outfits were so vibrant. The woman in the foreground brought one of her finished baskets, which she carried in a colorful cloth bag.
32 Throughout the meeting, much information was exchanged and many humorous stories were shared.
33 These young women thoroughly enjoyed spending the afternoon together and I had so much pleasure photographing their beautiful faces.
34 During the meeting more weavers arrived. These three women came separately and wore colorful outfits that complemented each other.
35 When the weavers complete their baskets, they bring them to the cooperative president for recording and payment.
36 Before turning in her basket, this woman proudly showed it to me. It is, indeed, a masterpiece.
37 I was shown another beautiful basket, with striking design and colors. These baskets are made from sisal plants and sweet grass grown naturally in Rwanda.
38 During the meeting, several women worked on their craft. They are all so proud that their weaving skills provide an income for their families.
39 This woman was really concentrating on her basket design. A basket can take three to four days to complete.
40 These young women were nearly finished with their basket designs. Each completed basket is labeled with the weaver’s name.
41 At the close of the meeting, the women stood and began to sing and dance in celebration.
42 After experiencing so much hardship during the genocide, it was delightful to watch these woman really enjoying themselves. I easily joined them in their dance.
43 This woman was lovely with her strand of pearls.
44 All the bright colors enhanced this festive occasion.
45 With so many images of African mothers struggling with famine, drought, and war, it was so inspirational to see the women of Rwanda so healthy and vibrant with self-confidence and empowerment.
46 They spoke to Janet about their goals to continue their education and their strong desires to learn how to use computers.
47 It is my goal to assist them with these aspirations.
48 It's rewarding to see them developing their own voices.
49 The healing and success story of Rwanda after 1994 can be seen in the healthy and happy faces of the children.
50 With this new generation, the Rwanda population will be stronger and better educated.
51 Little girls, like the ones in the next few photographs, will have opportunities and self-esteem that their mothers and fathers have committed themselves to make available for them.
52 So sweet
53 So precious
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | November 18th, 2011 at 2:20 am
So inspirational, you don't need much to see such great smiles on their faces. The colors are so vibrant, it sings out HAPPY.
Posted by: ga447 | November 18th, 2011 at 8:19 am
Very inspirational. Thank you for sharing this story and the pictures. It is so nice to see stories like this on the blog.
Posted by: Gretchen | November 18th, 2011 at 8:58 am
Thank you Kate for introducing to us people like Janet and Joy who are making a difference in their country and helping fellow women empower themeselves to create futures for their children. The joy and vibrancy on the faces of these women are inspirational.
Posted by: Cindy F | November 18th, 2011 at 9:40 am
This almost made me cry! What is it about the people of Africa that get deep into your soul and cause you fall in love with them? One trip to Africa and you're never the same.
Here is the website of a good friend who is making a great impact by helping women, mostly widows, make shoes and thereby support themselves and their families.
solehope.com
Posted by: Carol in NC | November 18th, 2011 at 9:57 am
Martha, thanks for letting Kate share with us. This is an excellent blog, the babies are so cute! Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | November 18th, 2011 at 10:19 am
Hi Kate, Thank you so much for posting another beautiful, inspiring blog about Rwanda! You are a very thoughtful person who is doing a terrific job of helping Janet's and Joy's great foundation improve the lives of those women in Rwanda! These photos are absolutely stunning! All of the colors are outstanding and the clothing they wear is beautiful! The woven baskets made by those talented Rwanda women are so beautiful! I've seen them at Macy's and will need to buy some the next time they are advertised! Janet's daughter Lucy's wedding was wonderful, also! Thank you so much for sharing this 2nd delightful blog! Hope you have a great weekend and please say Hi to our wonderful Martha! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | November 18th, 2011 at 10:21 am
Hi Kate,
Thanks again for sharing – today’s blog gave me a really warm and happy feeling. I smiled also when you said making a basket can take up to 4 days. Is that all?! Those women are amazing and their baskets are so beautiful. I perused them online at Macy’s and plan to check them out in the store when I can make time for the Mall. It would be great to own one. It will also be nice when they learn how to use a computer – that really makes me stop and think about the things we take for granted! You’re quite special, Kate. Keep up your wonderful work! Trish
Posted by: Trish | November 18th, 2011 at 11:11 am
What a terrific visit this must have been. I was so moved to see the photos of Janet's daughter's wedding and the women weaving baskets together. Let's hope that the future for those Rwanda children--so innocent and beautiful--will be a bright one!
Posted by: Charlene Cerny | November 18th, 2011 at 11:30 am
Many thanks to Martha Stewart and the team for allowing Kate to share this beautiful story on Rwanda. We have seen the women evolve from dire poverty to succesful business women, a true testament of a country on the rise from literary nothing 17 years. Kate's true passion in evident in these pictures, the empowerment of women and healthy growth of children. Thank you Kate. Martha, you are welcome to Rwanda. It's a beautiful place with so much potential and opportunity, President Kagame has done a tremendous job giving the people of Rwanda freedom to excel in what they can do.
Posted by: Faith | November 18th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
I felt so "happy" reading this article this morning. Just knowing that these women are carving out a life for themselves, and learning about money and saving for their families, this is good to hear.
More of the same please.
Susie, Vancouver
Posted by: susie | November 18th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
This is just glorious. I take such strength and courage and joy from these women that I feel selfish. How wonderful it is to meet them and to see their important, glorious work. And the wedding looks so much fun -- only hope mine is as half that wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing and for all the grand work you and they do!
Posted by: Allida | November 18th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
Bright colors, bright smiles, bright eyes. I wish for bright futures.
Posted by: Margie | November 18th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
I love the beauty and strength of African women from all over the continent. Along with Bosnia, Rwanda has come to symbolize modern day inhumanity, but I'm glad you and others show a different side. Kudos!
Posted by: r. steven page | November 18th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
Martha and group,
WHile I have been enjoying all the pieces of your page, I must say the
Macy's Fashion Challenge is adorable! A seemingly down to earth, typical boys rooms...what a clever idea!
Thanks for doing it and sharing. As a rather newly retired 35 year veteran of education (and I still loved it when I retired and yes the children acted goofy even then) it added laughter to may day of cleaning house.
Again,
Kudos!!
Posted by: Paulette Jalanivich | November 18th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
Unbelievable post. I just tear-up looking at all those strong beautiful women! I have friends (UN workers) who witnessed the Genocide and I'm forwarding this post to them. What strength these women have. And what a testament to Kate for her dedication. It really does take a village.
I will wish all these woman well on Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Sarah | November 18th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Kate, thanks for sharing this blog. It was great to see you and know you during your visit to Rwanda. You are such a great person to be around and your passion for women and children wellbeing is admirable. Keep up and good work you.
Posted by: Sarah | November 18th, 2011 at 10:15 pm
Thank you Kate for updating us on your travels! I so enjoyed hearing about them at Horne's and it was so refreshing to see that you are continuing your dream!
Posted by: Kimberly Feltz Guzzi | November 18th, 2011 at 10:29 pm
Is this the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village? I've been there and it is beyond words. Check out http://www.ASYV.org!
Posted by: Laurie Franz | November 19th, 2011 at 12:35 am
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful trip with us. I also, would love to give Martha big thanks for branching out into the world of yarn. I just saw that she has her own line. The colors are fabulous and I can't wait to give them a try. I do live in my garden with a ball of yarn and an imagination of color.
Posted by: Kate - The Garden Bell | November 19th, 2011 at 2:17 am
Martha, Thank you for allowing Kate to share this blog. Kate it was a such joy to stay with you, and I enjoyed a very bit of our time together in Rwanda and Uganda. God will reward you for all the support your giving us and the women of Rwanda. We have a lot to learn from you and the entire team of Martha Stewart. Martha has always been my inspiration, and I hope one day I will meet her and tell her in person. We showed some of the women the pictures, and they want you back in Rwanda!! Please make Rwanda your next home, because you have many sisters and brothers who miss you already. We can't spend a day without talking about you in our conversation. I am glad I met you.
Posted by: Joy Ndungutse | November 19th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
It was wonderful to see the photos and read about Kate's experience. I was very surprised at Photo 17 because that sewing machine was the same kind that I learned to sew on as a child sixty years ago. The sewing machine had a wide wrought iron foot pedal and didn't need electricity. The trick to learn was to get the pedal into a nice rhythm for a long seam. There was a wonderful sound associated with those sewing machines. And aren't they beautiful, the rounded sleek shape, the black paint with lovely gold designs! When I was 14 we got a new, electric sewing machine from Singer, square and plastic. There was a donation program for the old sewing machine to send them to Africa. It looks like those old machines were made to last, unlike the newer machines with their plastic gears that disintegrate after five years. Let's give a hurray for finely crafted old sewing machines and the fabric beauty they continuously help to create, globally.
Posted by: Penny | November 20th, 2011 at 10:28 pm
HELLO !
I have no doubt that the sale of craft products of the artists will give them more confidence as you wrote Thanks for the wonderful article
Posted by: LIOR | September 28th, 2012 at 10:18 am