This morning I received a message from my Rwandese friend Nausicaa not to bring any plastic bags as it is against the environmental policy in Rwanda. Apparently all plastic bags are removed out of the luggage at the airport. I don’t like people going through my stuff so I ran out of my bed, reopened my suitcases and removed all the plastic bags. Just in time for the taxi. Arriving on the Brussels ring there was a huge traffic jam and this on a SATURDAY! I got scared as this week, the airport exit was closed and people had to walk miles to the airport. I have 3 bags and a heavy purse; my heart started racing and the clock was ticking. I made it to the airport 1 hour before boarding and the Africa T terminal is at least half an hour walk. Finally at the Brussels Airlines desk I thought the stress would be over. I was wrong ! My hand luggage was overweight! My purse on its own weighted 16 kg; I must give it to Louis Vuitton those bags can carry a lot of weight. I had to re-divide my hand luggage amongst my suitcases. I am not only carrying a lot of clothes but a lot of paperwork and folders for the mission and folders to represent Exchangevzw at the Rwandan Board of Development. After re packing (you can already imagine how that looked) I got my tags and finally ready to go. Nausicaa had told me to get amibae pills at the pharmacy so I decided to spurt back. Fingers crossed I make it on time for boarding. Naturalich, a long line at the pharmacy just for her to tell me I need prescription! I could have guessed… This is Belgium. Well I had a nice work out and I am sitting in my seat. Hopefully my friend Anya from SNBrussels is working as cabin crew on my flight today… ;) ✈️
“The evidence suggests that the truth lies in the in-between: Microfinance works really well sometimes – but not always. It works for some people the way we thought it might, and for others in ways we didn’t anticipate.”
— I copied the above quote from lyrianfleming blog because I tend to agree on the statement. My experience in microfinance shows that it works for the majority of people. Unfortunately there are always a few people on which microfinance has “adverse effects”. However, by providing free coaching, guidance and training these possible “adverse effects” of microfinance can be eliminated over time. Microfinance should be a combination of credit and (business) coaching. In our microfinance agency (microStart) we call this combination “GUIDED MICROCREDITS”. Through granting guided microcredits we see that microfinance can be successful for everyone.
Rwandabound!
I have so many vaccinations from travelling all over the world and the most important vaccine to enter Rwanda with has expired. A quick stop at the Antwerp Tropical Institute (http://www.itg.be ) will do. I hate needles…pff…
What else is on the list ?
Guy Callebout, the coordinator for Rwanda Exchangevzw told me to pack a flashlight, umbrella, a rain coat and copy my passports. I ordered an impregnated pop up mosquito net as my hotel has no AC and I can’t live without AC. I ordered a mosquito net for my hat that I can use during the gorilla hike, I bought more mosquito sprays, a first aid kit with emergency blanket, Gopro Hero camera, power bank, trekking boots, backpack, poncho, sleeping bag, towels and A SELFIESTICK! I am also packing a ton of granola bars for the long working hours! My suitcases are jam packed I am ready to experience the best or the worst as I have tons of medication with me.
I am totally ready to leave but afraid at the same time. Afraid that I will love Rwanda so much that it will be hard for me to return from the mission.
WASHINGTON, Sept.17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ –The Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion (CFI) today announced the upcoming launch of Financial Inclusion 2020 (FI2020) Week, taking place from November 2-6, 2015.
During the week, stakeholders from across the globe will organize and participate in conversations and events to explore the most important steps for achieving financial inclusion – access to financial services for low-income people – by 2020.
The range of participants will include banks, insurance companies, payment companies, telecommunication companies, policy-makers, regulators, NGOs, microfinance institutions, investors, financial-inclusion support organizations, financial capability experts and fintech companies, across multiple geographies. Stakeholders will conduct interactive and participatory events, each of which is designed to produce calls to action. FI2020 Week partners will focus on the question, “What are the most important actions needed in our context (country or industry segment) to advance financial inclusion?”
Partners sponsoring FI2020 Week events to date include: AVAL Consulting, BRAC, CGAP, Fidelity Bank Ghana, Freedom from Hunger, Good Return, Grameen Foundation, GSMA, Innovations for Poverty Action, Institute of International Finance (IIF), JP Morgan Chase, LeapFrog Investments, Making Cents, MetLife Foundation, Micropension Foundation, Microsave’s The Helix Institute, Pakistan Microfinance Network, Sightsavers, Smart Campaign, and Accion. A more detailed description of these events is available on the FI2020 Week website.
“FI2020 Week is a unique opportunity to engage in global conversations on the challenges and opportunities facing financial service providers, regulators and policymakers – indeed, anyone with a stake in this important goal,” said Elisabeth Rhyne, managing director of the Center for Financial Inclusion. “We look forward to sharing and learning from these conversations.”
The FI2020 Week website, www.fi2020week.org, will feature live social media posts and photos from the events during the week, followed by key recommendations, reflections, and findings from each conversation following the week. Visit the website for a full list of planned events and partners. Companies and organizations interested in participating in FI2020 Week should contact Allyse McGrath at the CFI, at amcgrath@accion.org.
Financial inclusion is defined as state in which everyone who can use them has access to a full suite of quality financial services, provided at affordable prices, in a convenient manner, with respect and dignity. Within this vision, financial services are delivered by a range of providers, in a stable, competitive market to financially capable clients.
About the Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion The Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion (CFI) is an action-oriented think tank working toward full global financial inclusion. Constructing a financial inclusion sector that reaches everyone with quality services will require the combined efforts of many actors. CFI contributes to full inclusion by collaborating with sector participants to tackle challenges beyond the scope of any one actor, using tools that include research, convening, capacity building, and communications. To learn more about CFI, visit www.centerforfinancialinclusion.org
The preparatory work with Benevolab and Exchangevzw is done. My research is completed as well. I am ready to pack actually.
I realised that going on a mission will result into 18 hours of a work a day. (I remember how it was like setting up the microStart branch in Antwerp.) So I am pretty sure UCTCCN are going to want me working at 110% which I am more than happy to do. I want them to receive the best support ever. Hence I planned a vacation in a Rwanda after completing the mission.
While working there I am planning on taking a break to see the following:
1. Volcano/ gorilla hike visit Musanze caves
2. Go to Kibuye, relax do a boat ride and visit God’s bed
3. Complete the entire Nile - Congo trail by bike
4. Go to Akagera Safari Park
5. Visit Nyungwe, walk across the canopy and stop at the last Royal House.
Considering Rwanda is about the size of Belgium I looked at the map and figured that with a good SUV this should all be possible in 5 days. Although Rwanda has an extensive road network, I didn’t realise that Rwanda’s rural areas road network hasn’t been completed. Therefore road travel can be slow and complicated.
I had been given the price of 3600 USD that included 3 hotel nights in mid-luxury range hotels/lodging, private driver/car hire 4X4 SUV for 5 days, private guide, food, safari permit, gorilla permits, etc. I was surprised by this price. I knew that the price for a gorilla permit was 750 UD and had a budget of 2000 euro in mind. We are talking almost double now. I thought I was getting conned and decided to contact all the tour operators listed in the Rwandan Tours and Travel Association. http://www.rttarwanda.org/content/our-members I asked them to give me a quotation of the three different itineraries. I received many responses in a very short time. The prices were all between 3000 USD and 7000 USD. Some agencies had slightly adapted the itineraries and had given other hotel options. One tour operator even send me an excel sheet with everything detailed out.
I decided to drop Akagame Park as I am planning to conduct a safari in Tanzania next year. I also dropped the bike Nile Congo river ride as I bike as slow as a snail. I am not in the best shape of my life considering I used to run collegiate track. My friends have seen me bike and wonder each time how come I don’t fall off as my speed is almost at standstill. Many tourists in good shape havent been able to complete the bike ride. Cancelling those 2 activities brings the price down to 3250 USD. I am going to have to dig in my savings but I am convinced it will be worth every penny!
Now I need to start packing!
2 weeks in Gisenyi in the tea plantations, 1 week hiking and a few days visiting Kigali staying with my friend’s mom (Mrs. Anne-Marie Katengwa) who is the owner of Chez Lando in Kigali. As a female entrepreneur in Rwanda, she has a lot of important contacts and arranged for me a meeting to represent Exchangevzw at the Rwandan Board of Development (http://www.rdb.rw)
What do I need to take for a business/holiday trip? I might have to do some online shopping!
Today in the news “Het Laatste Nieuws” microStart Antwerp (my office) opens its doors for refugees. I told you I was going to do one more charity before leaving for Rwanda!
6 AM #Antwerp #CentralStation World’s most beautiful station! On my way to #Paris for #microfinance training @adie (looking too horrible for a morning selfie)
Looking for a career with a purpose ?
Check out the vacancy at exchange vzw.
The same partner organisation that is sending me to Rwanda.
Vacancy of project manager/ communication. www.exchangevzw.be/nl/nieuws
Before calling the UCTCCN coordinator I decided to research as much as I could on tea. Realising I am no tea producing expert I understand that there are some issues with the tea cooperatives in Rwanda as there are only 3 factories and some of the cooperatives are a bit far away from the factory. Tea leaves need to be brought to the factory as soon as possible to guarantee the premium tea quality. Most of the tea being sold is from Kenya while Rwandan tea is actually of higher quality but not well known. Rwanda has clear guidelines in relation to tea production. Online a lot of information can be found on tea production: http://www.ifad.org/english/operations/pf/rwa/i596rw/web/teac1_intro1.htm
I contacted Numerien the coordinator of UCTCCN and received all the necessary information. UCTCCN was created in 2007 and operates from the district RUBAVU, sector Nyundo. UCTCCN is a co-operative consisting of 4 more cooperatives. These being 1) Cooperative théicoles de la Pfunda (COOTP), 2) Cooperative théicole de Ramba (COTRAGAG), 3) Cooperative théicoles de Gasiza (COOPTHEGA) 4) Cooperative théicole de Rutsiro (RUTEGROC). The entire union consists of 5538 individuals. This is going to be one hell of a mission!
My job is to assist in creating a strategic plan to make the union more professional in order for it to be an added value for the small tea farmers. On top of that UCTCCN would like me to create an initial framework for creating a microfinance and microsavings division inside the tea union. So that tea farmers can go to their cooperative to resolve their financial problems.
I have 2 weeks to do this. I doubt 2 weeks will be sufficient so they have mailed me already as much information as currently available.
One more week and I am finally leaving for Rwanda but first I want to do something small for the refugees. Every newspaper, tweet or Facebook post one sees at the moment is about the refugee crisis in Europe. European governments aren’t keen on taking in refugees and are pretty much waisting time on red tape. In order to help I decided to use our microStart Antwerp microfinance agency as a drop off for clothing and other household supplies in good condition for refugees. Today, we have already collected a full room of quality material ready for donation to NGO’s that work with refugees.
While stacking the boxes on top of each other I remembered the story of Omarghol Fawad, one of my microfinance customers in November 2014. He was a refugee from Afghanistan and needed a microcredit to expand his carwash. For most banks Omarghol Fawad was ‘unbankable’. When I met Omarghol Fawad and his wife I immediately knew they were credit worthy. They had met each other in a refugee center in Belgium, they had the right to take welfare but never did. They went straight from the refugee center to starting up their own business. Today, we have given 400,000 euro in microcredits to the Afghan community in Antwerp. Most of them were refugees. It is a known fact that humanitarian refugees have the highest rate of business ownership of all recent migrants. This fact does not only count for Australia but most countries around the world.
Anderhalf jaar geleden startte ze ‘from scratch’ de Antwerpse vestiging van Microstart op. Daarvoor legde kersvers Exchange-experte Francine Carron al een opmerkelijk professioneel internationaal parcours af via onder meer Zuid-Europa, de VS, India & West-Afrika. Binnen enkele weken begint ze aan haar eerste opdracht voor onze organisatie. Een ideaal moment om een kort portret van deze gedreven dame te schetsen.
MSA Francine
Exchange: Toen we voor het eerste je CV lazen, zagen we er niet meteen een duidelijke lijn in. Begrijp je dat?
Francine Carron: “Ergens wel, hoewel er wel degelijk een logica in zit. Ik volgde mijn middelbare school in Houston, Texas en ging toen Internationale Betrekkingen studeren eerst in de Verenigde Staten en studeerde af in Brussel. Mijn eerste professionele ervaring deed ik op bij het United Nations Office for Project Services in Liberia. Het was die ervaring die het zaadje plantte om de daaropvolgende jaren bij grote spelers als Procter & Gamble, Jones Lang LaSalle en Engel & Volkers jobs aan te nemen als projectleider en commercieel agente. Toen ik ten gevolge van de financiële crisis mijn job verloor, ging ik opnieuw studeren: een master Politieke Communicatie aan de Universiteit Antwerpen en vervolgens ook een MBA Global Management aan de Antwerp Management School. Daarna volgde een periode als founding partner scheepsmakelaardij en een jaar marketingconsultancy bij Groupon. In 2013 startte ik mijn eigen fliantropische project: via ProNetwork ondersteunen we mensen die moeilijkheden hebben bij het solliciteren.”
Exchange: Sinds anderhalf jaar heb je Microstart Antwerpen op de kaart gezet.
Francine Carron: “Precies. Voor mij is het een soort best of two worlds. Er zit in mijn werk een duidelijke businesscomponent, maar ook het humanitaire vind ik belangrijk. Bij Microstart verstrekken we immers microkredieten aan starters en kleine ondernemers die niet de nodige financiering vinden bij de klassieke banken. Het betreft leningen tot 15.000 euro. Vaak gaat het om nieuwe Belgen van de eerste generatie, denk bijvoorbeeld aan vluchtelingen uit Syrië. Die mensen weten wel degelijk hoe ze moeten ondernemen, maar beschikken helaas niet over een startkapitaal. Het kunnen overigens net zo goed jonge wolven van bij ons zijn die bij de grootbank niet au sérieux worden genomen. Daar maken wij het verschil.”
IMG_1673-2
Exchange: Is het risico dan niet ontzettend groot?
Francine Carron: (lacht) “Dat is nu typisch de manier waarop een klassieke kredietverstrekker denkt! Uiteraard gaan we bekijken hoe het businessplan van elk dossier in elkaar zit en verder onderzoeken we ook de omgeving van de ondernemer. Dat leidt ertoe dat ik bijvoorbeeld de moskee binnenstap of met de familie van de kredietaanvrager ga praten. Net zoals Exchange, werkt ook Microstart met vrijwilligers die de ondernemers bijstaan met raad en daad. Zo verkleinen we de kans op mislukking.”
Exchange: Ze falen dus wel degelijk?
Francine Carron: “We hebben op anderhalf jaar tijd zo’n 170 kredieten verstrekt en dit vooral voor zaken die deel uitmaken van de lokale middenstand: een fietsenhandel, een voedingswinkel, een kweekbedrijf enz. Maar ook een start-up in ICT of een taxibedrijf zit in onze portfolio. Deze zaken hebben het lang niet makkelijk. De economie ondervindt nog steeds de naweeën van de crisis. Als het met een bepaalde zaak dreigt mis te gaan, dan zullen wij verdere ondersteuning bieden of ze begeleiden naar een veilige exit, zonder dat er diepe financiële putten worden geslagen.”
francine-carron
Exchange: En dan de hamvraag: wat brengt jou bij Exchange?
Francine Carron: “Microstart wordt ondersteund door BNP Paribas Fortis. Sinds jullie met deze bank een partnerschap aangingen, zag ik geregeld projectoproepen van jullie verschijnen. Toen ik vernam dat een theecoöperatie in Rwanda een strategisch expert zocht, was ik meteen kandidaat! In mijn huidige functie bij Microstart heb ik voortdurend contact met mensen uit alle hoeken van de wereld. Alleen speelt alles zich in Antwerpen af. Vandaar dat het kriebelt om opnieuw een internationale uitdaging aan te gaan.”
Exchange: Wat wordt er precies van je verwacht?
Francine Carron: “De coöperatie wil dat ik hen ondersteun bij het uitwerken van een toekomststrategie. Daarnaast zouden zich ook als lokale microfinacieringsinstelling willen gaan profileren. Over de haalbaarheid van dat laatste heb ik wel mijn twijfels. Sowieso is het van hier uit erg moeilijk om de huidige situatie van de coöperatie te kunnen inschatten. Veel zal pas ter plaatse duidelijk worden.”
Exchange: Het wordt je eerste project voor Exchange. Bovendien ben je jong en heb je Rwanda nog nooit in bezocht. Niet nerveus?
Francine Carron: “(kordaat) Integendeel! Ik heb al heel wat internationale ervaring. En omdat mijn vader in Liberia woont en mijn moeder in Nigeria, heeft het continent geen grote geheimen meer voor mij. Ik denk trouwens dat het net goed is dat ik jong ben. Ik trek met een heel open vizier naar Gisenyi om er mezelf vanaf 19 september twee weken lang voor de volle 110% in te zetten.”
Exchange: 110%?
Francine Carron: “In de banksector is 100% misschien het maximum, maar voor Exchange mag het wat mij betreft wat meer zijn (plooit dubbel)!”
Je kan Francines Exchange-project volgen op haar blog: microfinancemasala.tumblr.com.
I am pleased to announce the launch of our new #microfinance website! www.microstart.be
9 reasons why I am already in love with Rwanda before leaving
There was no reason to stress over the interview with Exchangevzw. The organisation is very welcoming and just wanted to explain their way of working. BenevoLab by BNP Paribas Fortis will coach me before the mission and take care of the airfare while Exchangevzw arranges the VISA, vaccinations, per diems and ‘Union des cooperatives Théicoles de la Crete Congo Nil’ takes care of the accommodation. Everything is clear and well organised. Now it is my turn getting in touch with ‘UCTCCN’ and understand the mission completely.
No matter how it goes I have already fallen in love with Rwanda. Below are my 9 reasons why I have already fallen in love with Rwanda.
1. Bisoko Volcano and Gorilla hike in Musanze has me dreaming away… Apparently there are also non-touristic caves to visit.
2. Gisenyi/ Kibuye/ the Congo Nile trail looks lovely for a good bike and boat ride.
3. Kigali, a modern city with so much history. Nice bars, clubs, views of the land of the thousand hills. The fashion looks beyond trendy in Kigali, everyone knows I love African contemporary fashion so I cant wait to go shopping for prints in Kigali!
4. Akagera Game Park: A safari I havent done that before !
5. Nyungwe park: The canopy walk! I am so afraid of heights but I have to do this!
6. Hotel Rwanda: the Hollywood Genocide Rwanda movie was about Hotel des miles Collines by Kempinski. That definitely seems worth a visit.
7. Goma in Congo Kinshasha is 5 minutes away from Gisenyi. It is possible to cross the border via Gisenyi to Goma. (Unfortunately, Belgium’ foreign affairs department gives a negative advice to cross the border in Goma due to rebel activities on the Congolese side.)
8. Lake Kivu, photo via Pinterest via camera_Rwanda. Swimming in a volcanic lake that would be another first! People have melted/drowned in this lake as the volcano releases acids in the water. Apparently it is best to check where the local population swims and swim in the same spot.
9. I love tea and Rwanda produces the best premium quality tea in the world! I can’t wait to consult UCTCCN! = Tea Lover consulting a Tea Co-op; I <3 it !
Now it is time to contact Union des cooperatives Théicoles de la Crete Congo nil, UCTCCN and get down to business.
Before starting to discuss the entire project with the Rwandan Organisation ‘Union des cooperatives Théicoles de la Crete Congo Nil - UCTCCN’ I have to be interviewed by Exhange vzw. (http://www.exchangevzw.be)
Exchange vzw is a Belgian organisation that offers companies and organisations the possibility to benefit from a wide range of voluntary top experts. Exchange offers expertise almost for free so that companies in developing countries can grow the (local) economy to create new jobs. Companies and socio-economic organisations whom comply with a set of clearly defined selection criteria can apply for assistance of a volunteer expert. Exchange vzw learned throughout the years that there is a tangible need for assistance on a technical or management level.
What is Exchange vzw procedure ? The selected volunteer expert and the company exchange of knowledge takes place directly. The entrepreneur/ company asks himself for expertise as he understands best what the needs of the company exactly are. The company decides which expert he wishes to collaborate with. (Me in this case!..yay.) Afterwards, an intensive exchange of knowledge and cross-pollination between both parties takes place. Exchange obtains tangible results with an absolute minimum of means. Voluntary high-level experts with the right competences, a proven track record and intrinsic motivation help companies expand or improve. Exchange funds itself via private companies and subsidies in the West whom are interested in giving ‘free consulting’ to help other companies.
I am nervous about the interview with Exchangevzw, it feels like going to a job interview all over again! What wil they ask? I am not a tea expert - I am knowledgable about the genocide but I am not an expert on Central and East Africa… So everything continues with Google search…
1. Youtube: is a good help starting with the US Policy toward Rwanda - Congressional hearing held on May 20, 2015 : 2,5 hours of listening while cleaning around the house gives you a little maybe ?‘biased? inside into Rwandan politics at the moment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMPSNh690NY
2. While reading the history of Rwanda all over again, I was shocked to find out that it was the Belgians who created such a large division between the Hutus and Tutsis. The Belgian colonials arrived and measured the noses of the local population. Hutus had bigger noses whereas Tutsis had slimmer more European-like noses. Everyone received an ID card that said whether they were Hutus or Tutsis. Such a division didn’t really exist in pre-colonial Rwanda. Being a Hutu or a Tutsi had more to do with how much wealth a person had. However, it was the Belgians who created the ethnical divide in Rwanda which later was a basis for genocide propoganda. While growing up in Belgium, we were not taught in elementary school why there was such a division between Hutus and Tutsis. We used to watch the news in 1994 of the genocide in school and were thought that it was the savage behaviour of the African people. (A good thing that there is now a movement called #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou). The 1994 genocide images have always stuck with me,… the red-colored rivers, the dead bodies floating…as a child I felt much pain for the Rwandan people.
Enough history read,
3. Tripadvisor: While going through traveller photos my love for Rwanda is growing stronger. Magnificent pictures by those travellers, I can’t get enough. Those mountains are beyond fantastic. My friends are telling me: ‘Now that you have seen the entire country online there is no more point to go.’ They are scared that I will be travelling alone. Most people still have those horrible genocide pictures of Rwanda in their head. After viewing Rwanda’s nature for hours I am convinced this might be the most beautiful place on earth.
4. Pinterest & Instagram: are good tools to learn about activities in Rwanda. On Instagram I learned that women are allowed in the Rwandan army just as Israel. Rwanda is one of the largest contributors of soldiers to the UN deployment missions. Rwanda also has 60% women in the government. Seems like Rwanda is the place to be for career driven women. #noglassceiling All of a sudden Rwanda is starting to sound as a better place to live than Belgium.
5. Stromae: is the most famous Belgian international artists and is of Rwandan origin. After scrolling down on his Facebook page I read that he has cancelled his concerts in Congo and Rwanda. It might be moved to September. Hopefully I ll be there as well! I definitely can’t wait to sing a long to Papaoutai in Kigali.
6. My personal contacts/ The importance of alumni networks: Who better to contact than my Rwandese friend Nausicaa HK whom I went to the international university (http://www.vesalius.edu) Vesalius College with in 2003? Last time I checked Nausicaa was working as a communication officer for UNDP in Kigali. I contact her on Facebook, Ubuntu she says! In no time I know everything about Rwanda and now have a place to stay in Kigali as Nausicaa is inviting me. That makes me think…Who else do I know? Aha! Anne-Marie from SN Brussels was previously station manager in Monrovia and is now based in Kigali. It seems as if I am going to have a good time in Rwanda and now I am ready for the interview with Exchangevzw.
On my way to work I see a lot of depressing faces… Not me though; I love my job! Nothing but a big Smile! #microfinance #microfinancemasala (at Microstart Antwerpen)
A year and half ago I set up a microfinance branch in Antwerp, Belgium for microStart the largest microfinance institution in the country. I was so excited to have been selected for this particular function. It has been my long time career dream to combine business and social work. Due to long, intensive working hours and a great team that I hired our microfinance branch has become a success. It was a tough time but looking back we had so much fun. Being a microfinance manager is no longer a job but it has become my life style. Now that we have exceeded our targets and the agency is running smoothly I have time again for new personal ventures. So I began searching around…
As microStart shares are 70% owned by BNP Paribas ‘Fortis’, (one of the largest bank groups in the world https://www.bnpparibasfortis.be ), I came in contact with BenevoLab headed by Chantal Katamari. (http://benevolab.org) BenevoLab is an organisation supported by BNP Paribas Fortis that offers everyone the opportunity to volunteer their skills to MicroFinance Institutions (MFI) and international NGO working on projects with a high social and economic impact. In my office, I work constantly with volunteers supporting our customers and agency so I thought to myself why not take a short time off and take on the challenge to volunteer myself?
BenevoLab send me different missions across the world and I applied for a mission in Gisenyi, Rwanda. I had never been to East Africa and I have been dying to go for the longest. I was beyond happy to find out that the Rwandese organisation had selected my CV versus someone with +25 years of experience. They had written me an email that they were delighted to have my expertise due to the fact I had already set up a microfinance branch.
Ten years of hard work living, studying and working in Brussels, Antwerp, Beaumont, Monrovia, Houston, Nashik, Pune, Sevilla, Lagos, Rotterdam, Paris, Lissabon, Abuja, Port Harcourt while raising my kid; I am now going to Kigali, Gisenyi Rwanda for a short time!
The mission/project is to develop a strategic plan for L’Union des cooperatives Théicoles de la Crete Congo Nil, UCTCCN and proposing a framework for setting up a microfinance institution.
