Every Thursday morning, in Cyeza, Muhanga District, a group of 11 widows and married women gathers together to encourage one another in their weaving and in their lives. It is a challenge for these women to carve out a weekly time away from their responsibilities caring for their children, maintaining their homes, and farming their fields. But they have found that the personal and professional benefits are worth it! In this last year, despite facing many obstacles, the members of AVEKI Widow’s Association were able to pay for medical insurance for their families, purchase necessities like clothing, and resolve a number of other problems for their families. Their expertise in weaving natural sisal fibers helps them to fight against poverty and to develop their families without having to always ask for financial help from others.

The women have achieved their goal of purchasing mobile phones for better communication.  Now their dream is that each member will be able to purchase their own cow for milk, fertilizing manure, and income generation.