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Workforce Development
Being able to work transforms lives. Journey House Actions (JHA) develops and implements programs to supplement and improve upon any work development opportunities provided by the Rwandan government.
JHA’s workforce development program does more than train people for jobs since there are few existing job opportunities in the community. JHA finds ways to create meaningful jobs for the Gashora community, especially young mothers, and provide a “living wage” to the participants in such areas as:
- Basket weaving
- Art
- Sewing
- Agriculture and farm production
- Construction & design
Basket Weaving Program
Each morning, young women, some with their babies, come to the JHA Gallery to weave baskets. These talented weavers are specialists in weaving baskets of the highest quality and their stunning bowls, trivets and containers stand out among others because of the care and time they take in crafting each one. Each item is a work of art and an original. Would you like to provide a living wage to our basket weavers and artists in Gashora? If so, we invite you to browse our on-line market & check out the beautiful handiwork of our amazing weavers and artists at SHOP HERE.
Arts Program
The Gallery is also home to the JHA arts studio. The arts program is used to train young artists, as trauma therapy for the participants, create revenue for JHA and a living wage for the artists. Are you looking for unique holiday gifts or accessories for your home? Would you like to provide a living wage to our basket weavers and artists in Gashora? If so, we invite you to browse our on-line market & check out the beautiful handiwork of our amazing weavers and artists at SHOP HERE.
Sewing Program
The JHA sewing program now has a total of 50 sewers on 19 machines. Not all the women can participate in the daily classes. Cultural difficulties still prevail with husbands being angry as house chores and childcare falls to them. This problem generally falls away as soon as the women start earning money and are making a noticeable difference to the economic situation of the family.
One of the major sewing projects is to make sanitary pads for young women. Most women do not have access to sanitary pads, which can result in chronic health problems. The JHA sewing program improves the health of these young women. The seamstresses also make the uniforms for the 300 students attending JHA’s “Journey of Success” Early Childhood Development Center.
Piggery Social Enterprise Program
The JHA Piggery currently includes over 100 pigs. JHA plans to grow the Piggery to 500 pigs. The Piggery is expected to become a major economic engine for JHA through birthing, raising and selling pigs. It also provides economic opportunities for young people to personally own some of the pigs.
Construction & Design
JHA has a program that provides young people with the skills to participate in construction and design projects. They built a library and computer lab at the Early Childhood Development Center and learned skills to work for others in the community.
“We weave baskets and make trivets, earrings, bracelets and lots of other items … The baskets we weave help provide health insurance for our kids. We can provide food and clothing for the children and their school fees.”
Mukagahorana Vestine
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Your donation helps American Friends of Journey House Actions Rwanda (AFJHAR) spread rays of hope for Rwandans in need. AFJHAR uses financial gifts to fund education, women’s empowerment, workforce development, and health improvement programs. Every donation is a valuable pledge that transforms lives.
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