We work with the indigenous people of Rwanda.
They call themselves Batwa Pygmies, a proud but misunderstood culture. After thousands of years as hunter-gatherers, they were evicted from their forest home to save mountain gorillas. Since then, the Batwa have fought systemic discrimination and health inequities. When I first met them in 2008, they were barred from shops and schools. The under age 5 mortality was greater than 500 per 1000. That means over ½ of the children died before age 5.
For the past decade, Pygmy Survival Alliance has supported the struggle of hundreds of Batwa families. We partner with local leaders, to find solutions at minimal cost for maximal impact. After 78 projects, the villages where we work have made great progress. Now they have improved sanitation, food and water security, jobs, and access to health care and education. Now their children don’t just attend school, they’re at the top of their class. They’ve broken barriers. Their culture is flourishing and respected by their neighbors. So many children are surviving they asked our non profit to build a new school. Next, we’re planning to build an institute where Batwa people can train others in community empowerment.
