Azizi Life began in 2008 as an initiative of the Christian nonprofit, Food for the Hungry.  Through a business development program, we met a number of artisan cooperatives.  What we saw is that the artisans had skills, organization and leadership.  They had vision for the future.  They were from impoverished communities, but had a means to rise up.  The problem was this: although the artisans could sell their crafts to their neighbors or through a middleman, the income they earned was insufficient to support their families.  In some cases, they didn’t even cover the cost of the raw materials!

Azizi Life was begun to honor the initiatives and work of the artisans and serve as a bridge to customers around the world.

From the very beginning, we had a vision: to build a family of businesses which would partner with local efforts for poverty alleviation and community development.  We learned as we went, and built a business and a team that is self- sustaining.

In 2012, Azizi Life Experiences was launched, based on a hosting day created by one of our artisan partners, Abarikumwe People Who Are Together Cooperative.  Since that time, other artisan partners have become hosts, and we offer a variety of Experience days and tours in Rwanda.  It is a privilege to serve both guests and artisan communities through these connections.

Also in 2012, American volunteers established Azizi Life US as a 501(c)(3) organization aiming to serve rural Rwandans in partnership with Azizi Life Rwanda.  This collaboration has enabled us to multiply our impact.

In Rwanda, as our businesses and team grew in service and success, opportunities began to arise to serve outside of the business sphere.  In 2016, we began a new local nonprofit organization in Rwanda, called Ubuzima Bwiza Iwacu.  In English, we like to call it Azizi Life Impact.  Through Azizi Life Impact, we have had the opportunity to offer solar lamps and fuel-efficient stoves to artisans at wholesale cost through an interest-free payment program.  Also in 2016, a new partnership brought forth a beekeeping project to promote further income for people in the rural area.  Our two Rwanda-based businesses, as well as Azizi Life US, all contribute some profits back into Azizi Life Impact’s work.

A major step forward for Azizi Life in 2016 was toward our goal of local ownership.  Our founder joyfully (and tearfully) handed over the leadership of Azizi Life to Jeannine Umutoniwase as CEO.  In addition, Sheila Uwimana earned a promotion to Chief Operating Officer of Azizi Life Crafts.

2017 saw the launch of an adult literacy program within artisan communities, which was funded in large part with a donation from one of our customers.  In addition, the beekeeping program birthed a new company, Beeutiful Creations, which offers honey, beeswax candles and other natural products.

All of this progress has come only with God’s help as he has provided resources, key volunteers, and wonderful staff and artisan partnerships.  Thank you to everyone who is a part of our Azizi Life story.