Posted by Cari ClementThursday, March 26
Today was learning how to price your product and the costs that must be taken into consideration when agreeing on a price with a client. This led to break-out sessions where each group was assigned the task of listing the factors that go into pricing a product. Representatives from each of the cooperatives presented their pricing, but none took everything into consideration, so everyone benefitted by something the others forgot to list. And it was quite a lively discussion.
Wednesday, March 25
Day two of the workshop is very interesting. Never did I think I’d see the attendees get as interested in writing contracts than these ladies did! The reason? One of the groups has been having a difficult time repaying the other groups for knitting that was done under contract – but neither had a contract. While repayment is being worked out, the situation created a perfect example of why sales contracts are so important. Without them, it’s just one group’s word against another. So everyone paid close attention and really got involved. There’s nothing like a practical application for learning!
Even with this kind of interest, learning about contracts can be, well, not highly stimulating. So in the afternoons especially, there’s an activity to get everyone moving and awake. And Agnes from Dian Fossey is notoriously always the leader.
Landrada also covered the types of documents required, such as purchase orders, sales receipts which are logged into banking, inventory, accounting and sales ledgers. Even though this information can seem much less interesting than usual discussions of marketing, due to the example provided, it was definitely much more tangible for the attendees than it otherwise would’ve been without the Urumuri example.
Later that afternoon, Laura, Patrick and I met with Felix Rusake at UNIFEM, the United Nations Development Fund for Women (http://www.unifem.org/). UNIFEM co-sponsored the last business skills training and at the meeting, committed to an ongoing partnership with Rwanda Knits.
After the UNIFENM meeting, Laura and I met with Megan O'Connor from Indego Africa (http://www.indegoafrica.org/) and with IA's four university interns who do business training follow-up with the two artisan cooperatives IA sources its products from. The young men are being supported by Orphans of Rwanda (http://www.orphansofrwanda.org/) and get a small stipend for their work for IA. Hmmmmm.....this might just work well for Rwanda Knits' follow-up. Something to look into.
Tuesday, March 24
The first day of the Sales and Marketing workshop! Representatives from six of the registered cooperatives meet to learn how to make sales and handle marketing. Much that will be taught over the next four da
ys is still math, though: how to price your product, how to write a sales contract, keeping good sales records, maintaining an inventory record, but with ideas for marketing your goods included too.Workshop leader, Mme Landrada MUSABYEYEZU, from Centre IWACU, begins day 1 with having the women decide the schedule: when to start, when to break when to wind up for the day. Once this has been decided and others who are coming from a long distance have arrived, they get to work learning the five “P’s” of marketing: Product, Price, People and Place. Think of a chair with four legs, the fifth, the sitter, being “people” – your customer. Once everyone discusses this concept, Landrada
has everyone separate into breakout groups, each to discuss the other four legs of the chair, the other four P’s.But, before the end of the day, Laura, Patrick and I have to leave to attend a meeting with our Executive Committee from our Rwanda-based non-profit, Rwandans Allied for Peace and Progress (RAPP). The meeting goes to at least 6 p.m.
Monday, March 23
After a morning swim (for Laura and friends) and breakfast, it’s back in the car to head to Kigali. Lots to do before the workshop plus a late afternoon meeting with the knitters of Urumuri. I can’t wait to see them! But there have been a few problems, mostly because women with so little are now making money and are finding it challenging to manage it properly – and be sure their pricing allows them to make a profit. But they have been innovative, hiring a knitter and buying a different knitting machine to make the kind of sweaters the schools in their particularly warm district require. But they haven’t calculated well enough how long it will take them to fill a large order and they are fearful of falling short of the deadline. But it’s more important to understand how to manage a business than to dive into it without having the right tools. Yes, they had accounting training, but there’s nothing like practical application to test one’s ability to absorb information.
After a morning swim (for Laura and friends) and breakfast, it’s back in the car to head to Kigali. Lots to do before the workshop plus a late afternoon meeting with the knitters of Urumuri. I can’t wait to see them! But there have been a few problems, mostly because women with so little are now making money and are finding it challenging to manage it properly – and be sure their pricing allows them to make a profit. But they have been innovative, hiring a knitter and buying a different knitting machine to make the kind of sweaters the schools in their particularly warm district require. But they haven’t calculated well enough how long it will take them to fill a large order and they are fearful of falling short of the deadline. But it’s more important to understand how to manage a business than to dive into it without having the right tools. Yes, they had accounting training, but there’s nothing like practical application to test one’s ability to absorb information.
Sunday, March 22
At 9 a.m., it’s off to Kibuye on a weekend away from the city. Kibuye is quickly becoming a holiday destination for many Rwandans – and tourists. New hotels, beautiful views over Lake Kivu and a good workout climbing the steps down to the water and back up to the rooms. But with the wonderful weather and perfect
climate, muscles that were tight in Vermont somehow are much more accommodating here in Rwanda.An evening meeting about the project. Having this weekend is a great way to get an update.
Saturday, March 21
After boarding the flight to Kigali from Addis Ababa, Rwanda’s growing importance in East Africa is obvious: every seat on the plane is filled.
Finally back in sunny Kigali! Well, sometimes sunny since this is, technically, the rainy season. But just being here feels like sunshine. A long flight, but a welcome arrival, met by RK’s own Laura Hanson and Patrick Nimubona, RK’s new Project Manager. A few hours of catching up, some sleep at a new hotel for me, Beausejour, a quiet, garden setting in the heart of Remera. Very nice and quiet despite the central location.
Friday, March 20
Thanks to my patient – and early-rising husband – I get to the Burlington airport in plenty of time – and United doesn’t charge me for the extra bag. This will be an interesting trip, leaving in the morning, but I’m looking forward to flying on Ethiopian Air that now has a great connection to Rwanda from Addis Ababa.
Thursday, March 19
While it seems as if I started preparing for my next trip to Rwanda ages ago, there’s still last minute packing, trying to fit everything in, yes, 3 suitcases. Sweater Machine parts, mostly, but also everything from tools to show how to replace machine modules to design inspiration printouts have to go too. And the 6 a.m. flight the next day doesn’t help. But I get it all done – at least I hope so.
Thanks to my patient – and early-rising husband – I get to the Burlington airport in plenty of time – and United doesn’t charge me for the extra bag. This will be an interesting trip, leaving in the morning, but I’m looking forward to flying on Ethiopian Air that now has a great connection to Rwanda from Addis Ababa.
Thursday, March 19
While it seems as if I started preparing for my next trip to Rwanda ages ago, there’s still last minute packing, trying to fit everything in, yes, 3 suitcases. Sweater Machine parts, mostly, but also everything from tools to show how to replace machine modules to design inspiration printouts have to go too. And the 6 a.m. flight the next day doesn’t help. But I get it all done – at least I hope so.
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