Rwanda Knits' member cooperatives are made up of women from the same support association, but women with a keen interest in starting their own businesses. Most of these women have known each other for many years, so they are already starting out on a firm footing.

The first 4 primary cooperatives will be ready to begin training as members as a secondary, or umbrella, cooperative in August, as Laura and Geofrey have worked hard and met just the right people to make the training a reality in August. While the women may know each other, training is critical as they will be the ones managing this business - and joining together with women who have a mutual interest in business and knitting, but who may just be acquaintences.

Congratulations, you guys!!

And congratulations too to Judi Farer who, together with her husband, Jim, are now in Rwanda to support their respective interests: Judi with Rwanda Knits (and who hopes to build a well for the Nyagatare women who must walk miles each day to get water before going to work); Jim with his passion for working with dental students at the Kigali Institute of Health. Jim is a retired dentist who specializes in educational workshops for dentists and dental students.

They are in Akagera National Park this weekend. Here are some of the animals they will see.