« GREEN GIRLS » project: An innovative project!
It was during the month of November that the “Green Girls” project made its first start in the IDPs sites of Sobel and Kinyinya II as well as in the communities of Gatumba and Buterere. Funded by UNICEF and implemented by Social Action for Development (S.A.D) assisted by the partners CEMAC and COIEDE; this innovative project was designed and implemented with the aim of meeting the needs of beneficiaries and eliminating the risk of violence faced by beneficiaries when collecting firewood in risk areas. The “Green girls project” has three main objectives: The protection of the environment, the fight against violence against women and girls and the empowerment of women.
The project consists of the production of ecological coal through the transformation of plant waste, as well as the manufacture of braziers for sale. Thus, 100 beneficiaries, mostly girls, were integrated into four solidarity groups made up of 25 beneficiaries each and were trained and supported throughout the project, in the IDPs sites and communities.
During the process of implementing the project, the Green girls benefited from theoretical and practical training related to the transformation of plant waste, the construction of improved stoves and organizational management. It was after the practical training that the Green girls started producing green coal and braziers, as well as selling the finished products.
« This project has been a way for me to grow and flourish. I have been out of school for a long time now and never thought I would have the opportunity to work and invest in my dreams, especially at my age. Today, I can feed myself and sometimes feed my family, buy products for my hygiene and others; and above all, I no longer must give in to the advances of men to have the little necessary for my well-being ».
Keita, bénéficiaire du site Kinyinya II
During the closing ceremonies of the sixteen days of activism against gender-based violence, the Green girls had the opportunity to test the green charcoal to the guests while selling them the qualities of it, in particular its very affordable price. and its durability compared to that of charcoal.
Today, the Green girls continue to sell their products and gradually improve their conditions and those of their families. Starting from the sale of soap, rice and others and going as far as agriculture, the Green girls do not lack either ideas or ambition to succeed. Invested in the realization of their projects, they work tirelessly to achieve their common and respective objectives.
