Blog Archive
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.
Incubator for Change (Part I)
We will share the voices of our organization with a two-part series - highlighting the voices of our staff and from the women in our bakeries. This week, we've collected insights and reflections from our TWB team.
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.
Bread & Humanity
The first incidence of bread is assumed to be over 6,000 years ago in Egypt, when naturally occurring yeast accidently mixed with porridge and it rose. We think this might have been the best accident ever.
Women Can!
We believe that teaching women to ride bikes and to use them for the development of their business will empower other women who are still shy to try to do something different. We believe in women’s capabilities. We believe in empowerment for all.
Baker's Innovation
From practicing this creativity and gaining confidence in their own skills, TWB women have begun to introduce new products in the bakery.
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.
So, Tell Me More
Last week, two TWB staff and Global Health Corps (GHC) alums, Aime and Meg, attended an East Africa GHC leadership summit in Nyamata, Rwanda to reconnect and share experiences with other co-fellows and staff from different parts of the 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.
Romania Trip
MamaPan Bakery started as an initiative under a non-profit organization, CPE (Partnership for Equality), as an income generating mechanism for the women working in the bakery and a revenue stream for the non-profit itself.
TWB Team Retreat
I am continuously awed by my team. Here’s to building TWB and changing the world, one piece of bread at a time.
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.
Piloting TWB in the Refugee Community
In our pilot program with the Denver-based refugee resettlement agency, African Community Center, TWB trained the small women’s group for 2 hours each week. Recipe reading, budgeting, practical baking skills, nutrition education, and tips for grocery shopping in the US are some topics we included in this new program.
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.