Delegations 2018
November 2018
Rwanda Delegation: Women's Empowerment
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In November, 2018, we were happy and honored to host a group of two Rwandan delegates - Ms. Dativa Mukeshimana and Ms. Liberata Gahongayire, representing a non-governmental organization called Duterimbere ONG. The organization is based in Kigali (Rwanda) and has operations throughout the country. Expanding to have 880 members across the nation since its establishment in 1987, Duterimbere ONG has been working to empower women and eradicate poverty through conducting action research on fundamental issues and providing services for sustainable development of the female Rwandan population. Duterimbere’s main focus is women’s entrepreneurship which helps women in socioeconomic, cultural, and economic areas based on local needs and environmental context through pragmatic solutions and advocacy for policy improvement.
During the week-long customized professional program, Ms. Mukeshimana and Ms. Gahongayire had opportunities to meet with local U.S. experts who specialize in women’s empowerment, micro-finance in agriculture, and non-profit management. They got to learn about non-profit operations in America and how organizations tackle gender issues through supporting women’s entrepreneurship. Ms. Mukeshimana and Ms. Gahongyaire’s objects for the visit were met by establishing potential partnerships with local schools and institutions. We are honored to have facilitated the opportunity to connect Duterimbre ONG to local professionals in Ohio and help them work together for common goals! |
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October- November 2018
Rwanda Delegation: Non-Profit Management
In October and November 2018 we had the pleasure to host Mr. Joseph Bitega from Rwanda. Mr. Bitega is the Director of CECYDAR, a non-profit organization that provides accommodation and programs for street kids in Kigali, Rwanda. Programs include rehabilitation, reintegration, and facilitating access to education. The organization has been growing in accommodation capacity and capability over last 25 years since its establishment, resulting in 70% of successful reintegration rate to families and schools. With the organization’s values in affection and hope toward children who they strongly believe are the pride of Rwandan society, the organization aims to eradicate street children phenomenon through its methodology and network-building among the children.
Mr. Bitega was motivated to come to the United States to be inspired for business strategies and management skills that are different with the ones in Central Africa and Europe, establish partnerships with American organizations that have common passion and interest, and to learn about how to remain financially sustainable as a non-profit organization through fundraising and obtaining funding. Therefore, we provided a personalized program for him and arranged meetings with local organizations, universities, and professionals to meet his objective of the visit. Mr. Bitega was able to establish potential partnerships with U.S. organizations and schools and learned about non-profit operation strategy in America. Additionally, Mr. Bitega got to experience the diversity and cultures of the local community which was notably different with Kigali, as he shared with us during the visit.
Before the program concluded, Mr. Bitega said he was satisfied with the program created by CIP / US Together and appreciated our work for proactively making it more accessible for people from all over the world to come and experience America. He complimented our work for creating a society in which everyone lives together, showing a side of humanity that is “rarely seen these days”. Once Mr. Bitega returned to Rwanda, he shared his experience with his organization and they were excited to apply what he learned from Columbus to improve their organization. We wish him and his colleagues a lot of success!
Mr. Bitega was motivated to come to the United States to be inspired for business strategies and management skills that are different with the ones in Central Africa and Europe, establish partnerships with American organizations that have common passion and interest, and to learn about how to remain financially sustainable as a non-profit organization through fundraising and obtaining funding. Therefore, we provided a personalized program for him and arranged meetings with local organizations, universities, and professionals to meet his objective of the visit. Mr. Bitega was able to establish potential partnerships with U.S. organizations and schools and learned about non-profit operation strategy in America. Additionally, Mr. Bitega got to experience the diversity and cultures of the local community which was notably different with Kigali, as he shared with us during the visit.
Before the program concluded, Mr. Bitega said he was satisfied with the program created by CIP / US Together and appreciated our work for proactively making it more accessible for people from all over the world to come and experience America. He complimented our work for creating a society in which everyone lives together, showing a side of humanity that is “rarely seen these days”. Once Mr. Bitega returned to Rwanda, he shared his experience with his organization and they were excited to apply what he learned from Columbus to improve their organization. We wish him and his colleagues a lot of success!
August 2018
DRC Delegation: Rule of Law
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During the 2018 Rule of Law Program, two individuals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) travelled to Columbus to compare legal practices in the United States, Rwanda, and the DRC. From August first to the 14th, the participants were trained in general United States Rule of Law and were introduced to appellate courts in the state of Ohio, the Ohio Supreme Court, City of Columbus, and other government organizations. While in America, these individuals had the opportunity to shadow legal professionals, take part in cultural activities, and attend seminars and workshops hosted by government officials, local organizations, and Governance professionals. From these experiences, this delegation developed their comprehension of government in America, learned skills for organization and management of a law firm, and networked with American counterparts to develop future ongoing collaborative opportunities! |
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July 2018
Rwanda/Germany Delegation:
Non-Profit Management
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Between July 15th and 30th, 2018 one participant from Rwanda and one from Germany toured Columbus and the Midwestern U.S. as part of our Non-Profit Management Program! Throughout their time here, they had the chance to visit social service organizations, community development organizations, administration offices, and non-profit foundations. From these visits, vocational training, and classes, this delegation learned much about the business model of non-profit and social enterprises in the U.S. and the how the government funds and aids these organizations. Now, the participants will be able to use what they have experienced in America to create new strategic co-management models for the society and government of their home countries! |
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March 2018
Kenya Delegation: Small Business Development
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During this Business Development program, which lasted from March 20th to the 28th, two individuals from the Republic of Kenya participated in workshops with professors, attended classes, were trained on their occupations, and visited organizations around Central Ohio. They also met with leaders from state and local agencies, colleges and universities, and non-government organizations (NGOs), all of which support business development. These visits allowed the participants to gain insights about how entrepreneurship, mass production, the construction industry, and NGOs in the U.S. work, which will help them to improve the functioning of small businesses and financial cooperatives in Kenya. |
