Build a preschool for 100 Batwa Children.

Since 2008 Pygmy Survival Alliance has operated the Community of Potters Health and Development Project (COPHAD), formerly known as the marginalized indigenous hunter-gatherers, the Batwa Pygmies. The purpose is to further the development of the unique community. Rwanda 2000 has made significant progress, however, the Batwa are still the most vulnerable element of Rwandan society. 

The science of children’s growth and development has indicated that the early years of development are the most crucial in shaping the future. Children need both quality and quantity of nutrition, health care, and a stimulating environment. This has changed, the Vocational education program has helped bring the forgotten people out of poverty. Building the preschool, (Irerero), has prepared the children to attend public school, where the children have proven to the community and the government that the Batwa are valuable assets to the country. Building the Kitchen and feeding all the children porridge and an egg has increased the health of the community. Football, (soccer) is an important part of the Rwandan culture, and their abilities in playing well have broadened the respect throughout the region that the Batwa are capable and strong contributing to the well-being of the children in Cyaruzinge and the community surrounding them. The newly completed Multipurpose building allows for another preschool classroom, Adults to attend reading, writing, and speaking in Kinyarwanda, and English classes. Practice space for musicians, dancers, students, and weavers a place to attend regular meetings.   

COPHAD is an effective model program that has achieved multi-faceted improvements in community health and development. It follows a slow and purposefully inclusive strategy of community engagement to restore health, culture, and society by targeting food security, water and sanitation, medical care, education, and jobs. It is validated by significant evidence-based outcomes in healthcare, nutrition, economic growth, and women’s rights, and is the only evidence-based intervention we have found that is proven to prevent the physical and social extinction of a community. 

COPHAD costs about $50 US dollars a year per family. It has saved one baby every 2-3 years per family since 2008. Resulting in raising the status of women in Rwandan society. 

One hundred percent of donations to PSA go to projects. All administrative expenses are covered by private donors. 2016 village women asked HDI, the Rwanda government, and PSA, USA to start a children’s preschool. Opening in a one-room dirt-floor hut, the Irerero Nursery School has been an enormous success. One hundred and fifty children now receive a jump start on life. They are fed and educated. With the children in safe hands, many of the mothers are now able to seek daily employment. Armed with their Irerero experience, the children have a head start and easily transition to elementary school. 

• Five Photos for Five Projects (PDF)