Workforce Development

The weaver’s cooperative, COVAGA, (French for Cooperative des Vanniers Gashora), was created in 2006 and specializes in weaving arts and craft items, which are very much embedded within the Rwandan culture. The cooperative comprises 64 weavers located in Gashora.

The women are specialists in weaving baskets of the highest quality and their beautiful bowls stand out among others because of the care and time they put into crafting each one. Basket weavers receive a living wage which helps them buy nutritious foods, purchase health insurance and pay for school fees. Each basket purchase helps weavers achieve their goals and dreams of a brighter future.

With the support of JHA, the cooperative has gained a reputation in the region as an active social change agent.

COVAGA supports local community development, including poverty reduction, economic development, environmental care, education and nutrition, and reconciliation. However, the cooperative lacks the tools, financial resources and capacity to fully provide that help.

JHA hopes to create more revenue and guide the cooperative into diversifying its activities, which today comprises manufacturing various arts and craft and decorative items woven from grasses and sisal, or rafia. 

The organization will help COVAGA increase the use of water hyacinth in utility baskets and household items. By harvesting the plant and using the “amarebe” as raw weaving material, COVAGA members will become active agents in long-term sustainable environmental care while improving their economic situation.