Blog Archive
Global Health Corps Fellowship with TWB
Now, as Nutrition Coordinator for The Women’s Bakery, I am working on nutrition and health programming at bakeries in Kigali and beyond. I am so enthusiastic to see the impact The Women’s Bakery is having in the communities of which we work.
Education Must Matter
At The Women’s Bakery, education is the foundation for all that we do. We believe that a foundational education, one that can be applied in real, practical ways, can lend opportunities for gainful, sustainable employment, and opportunities for health.
What Do We Do With the Data?
Behind the scenes at The Women’s Bakery, we have been working hard to collect data to help inform and grow our programming.
Growth & Reflection
The story of TWB, in its entirety, includes the courage and the bold persistence of others.
Knowledge Gained & Life Long Connections
Without question, I have expanded my knowledge while with TWB, and even better, have formed lifelong connections. I have always had a team there to support me. It is a great pleasure to work with women by giving the opportunity for all of us to empower each other in our regional community and all over the world.
Kagina & AsOne Ministries
As an intern with TWB, experiencing the AsOne Bakery training was one of the most valuable experiences I had while in Rwanda.
From Paper to Quickbooks
The best part about working in a start-up is the steep learning curve. I can certainly say that I learned a lot setting up a business’ accounting system in Rwanda. It also reminds me that anything is possible.
Incubator for Change (Part II)
This week, we are releasing a two-part series called "Incubator for Change" that showcases the impact that TWB has had on our community at large. Today, we are focusing on the women that work directly in our bakery, specifically in our Kigali location, the Remera Bakery.
Cycling for Change
Connecting bicycling directly with our work in Rwanda, The Women’s Bakery has long dreamed of teaching our women in the bakery to ride bicycles which they can then use for more efficient bread deliveries.
Meet Francoise!
Francoise Umutoniwase, our new marketing intern, has joined our team in Kigali to lead marketing efforts and this week, TWB sat down with Francoise to learn more about her education, interests, and what excites her most about working with The Women’s Bakery.
Growing Together
Yvonne has now been a team member of The Women's Bakery for one year! Happy Anniversary Yvonne! Here, Yvonne reflects on what she has learned and how she continues to propel TWB forward in Rwanda.
Everyone Is A Teacher
I’m in awe of the tenacity and commitment that this kind of work requires. Small business development is hard anywhere, but the women we work with are making it happen.
Rwanda: A Land of a Thousand Women
During my visit, I realized many other women like them come from all over the world and are determined to stay and work in Rwanda, rather than enjoy the more comfortable life in their own countries. Together they are creating values; they are making this country a better place. I admired their courage, faith and power.
Social Justice. Everywhere. For All.
As I sit here thousands of miles away from a heightened need in the US, I remind myself that even though I am not there fighting the current battle on the ground, it does not diminish the overall battle I, and so many others, are fighting for social justice across the entire world.
Let’s invest in education for a bright future!
Jeanne D’Arc is now facilitating TWB in baking sessions and in marketing breads in the neighborhood community with the current Ndera trainee group. Though the bakery in Ndera has yet to open, many people are already coming to buy and taste the breads. Jeanne D’Arc is helping trainees to improve their sales pitches and boost-up their confidence in selling.
Leadership in the Community
To promote leadership, TWB provides education in Goal Setting and Personal Growth, Teamwork, Customer Service and Communication, Decision Making, Work Safety, Right and Responsibilities at Work, Marketing Skills, and Financial Planning.
Sharing Knowledge
We don’t want to just build bakeries in Rwanda, we want to build an ecosystem of community and support across our bakeries, allowing TWB bakers to share ideas with each other, collaborate, trouble shoot challenges, and encourage each other with successes. TWB graduates are able to share their knowledge and experiences with each other, and with current trainees.
Looking Ahead
Why do sustainable bakeries matter? Sustainable bakeries provide a group of women with consistent and growing incomes. That’s job security. And it’s also opportunity. Women can rely on their work at the bakeries and choose where, when, and how to invest their earnings. Sustainable bakeries provide suppliers (farmers) and buyers (shop-keepers) consistent business. That’s micro-economic activity that can self-improve and correct. Sustainable bakeries also provide community members consistent access to nutritious bread. That’s Good business.
Bake & Break
As many are enjoying this break with families and friends, one thing we would love to wish is that you break and bake nutritious breads.
Women's Participation in Economic Development
We believe in women’s capabilities and we work hard to support them in being active citizens and helping them to become breadwinners in their families.