SOCIAL IMPACT

REPORT

SOCIAL IMPACT

REPORT

SOCIAL IMPACT

REPORT

2011

I N D E P E N D E N C E D E V E L O P M E N T G O V E R N A N C E. .

I N D E P E N D E N C E D E V E L O P M E N T G O V E R N A N C E. .

TM

I N D E P E N D E N C E D E V E L O P M E N T G O V E R N A N C E. .

I N D E P E N D E N C E D E V E L O P M E N T G O V E R N A N C E. .

TM

Table of Contents

Social Impact Overview & Methodology

Indego Africa Overview

Map of Rwanda & Cooperative Highlights

Income

New Cooperative Partners& Training Programs

9

2

1

3

7

11

13

15Looking Towardsthe Future

Education

Quality of Life

16APPENDIX: four year trend & baseline data

Through Indego Africa, we have opened up our minds, improved our lives, and seen new possibilities for ourselves.

- Mediatrice, 35 (Imirasire)“

“Indego Africa is a 501(c)(3) non-profit social enterprise that lifts woman-owned cooperatives of African artisans toward sustainable, economic independence through market access and education. Indego Africa markets and sells its partner cooperatives’ handmade fashion accessories and home décor products on its e-commerce site (shop.indegoafrica.org) and to U.S. brands and retail chains, including Nicole Miller, Anthropologie, J.Crew, and Madewell. Indego Africa then pools 100% of its profits from sales with donations to fund training programs for its partners in financial management, entrepreneurship, literacy and computers – taught by Rwanda’s top university students.

Through their partnership with Indego Africa, artisan women entrepreneurs generate income through product sales to meet their families’ critical needs while also acquiring the necessary skills to run their own profitable businesses over the long-term. Indego Africa is the subject of a Harvard Business School case study and a recipient of the Fair Trade Federation’s Most Positive Change in a Producer Community Award and the Templeton Freedom Award in Social Entrepreneurship. Indego Africa is transforming the lives of its artisan partners by re-defining an outdated handicraft model of economic development and mapping out a replicable blueprint for unleashing the power of women entrepreneurs in Africa.

Indego Africa Overview

1

In 2011, Indego Africa surveyed 186 women across nine partner cooperatives: Abasangiye, Cocoki, Covanya, Imirasire, Twiyubake, Hope, Hoziana, Mpore Mama, and Susuruka.

Data collected from women in Cocoki, Covanya, and Twiyubake spans multiple years and, as a result, reflects Indego Africa’s year on year impact.

Data collected from women in Abasangiye, Imirasire, and IKU in 2011 will serve as baseline data for future assessments.

The 2011 survey gathers data from across a range of development indicators, including income, education, and quality of life. The 34 questions covering demographic, behavioural and attitudinal information are included in the appendix.

“ “

Since its founding in 2007, Indego Africa has remained steadfastly committed to verifiable, outcome-based poverty reduction. As Indego Africa scales, measuring impact remains the primary tool for both evaluating how effectively programs meet stated objectives, and identifying areas in which programming can be improved to better achieve developmental performance targets.

The Social Impact Report opens up avenues to better communicate to Indego Africa supporters the true value of what Indego Africa does. For instance, many organizations view the concept of scale solely as “how many,” as in, how many beneficiaries or how many countries. Borrowing a framework more often seen in the educational sector, Indego Africa believes scale actually encompasses at least four different interrelated concepts: (a) depth (nature of change), (b) sustainability (what happens when you leave), (c) spread (“how many”), and (d) ownership (does it lead to shifts in policy or the way things are done). This Social Impact Report is a meaningful medium to consider why Indego Africa has made strategic decisions not to sacrifice depth and sustainability for spread.

Each year, Indego Africa compiles developmental data on its artisan partners. The wealth of data, complimented by stirring personal stories told by artisans partners, paints a rich, vivid, and nuanced portrait of Indego Africa’s impact on the lives of women in Rwanda. The holistic narrative that emerges is one of positive, tangible impact on the lives of our artisan partners, their families, and the country as a whole.

Social Impact Overview

Methodology

I am able to not only survive, but live.

- Rose, 33 (Mpore Mama)

2

Imirasire

Covanya

Kigali

Butare

Mountain Gorillas IKU (4)

Cocoki Abasangiye

Twiyubake

Indego Africa partners with more than 400 women across nine different cooperatives. By investing in women, Indego Africa’s programs have a multiplier effect, improving the

lives of artisan partners, their children, and extended family.

Rwanda

186

Artisan Partners

(Surveyed)

574 Children

94

People

an Additional Care For

3

43

26Covanya

Location: NyamataMedium: WeavingRetailers: Indego Africa, Nicole Miller & U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

Location: KigaliMedium: SewingRetailers: Indego Africa, Anthropologie, DANNIJO, J.Crew, Nicole Miller, ShopBop, Steven Alan

Cocoki

In 2011, 75% of the women in Covanya reported being able to manage money, compared to 0% in 2009.

In 2011, 85% of the women in Cocoki were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their quality of life, compared to 6% in 2008.

Women

Women

4

25Women

Location: KayonzaMedium: SewingRetailers: Indego Africa, Anthropologie, J.Crew, Nicole Miller, ShopBop, Steven Alan

Abasangiye

In 2011, 66% of the women in Abasangiye reported earning less than $1 per day. It is Indego Africa’s shared goal with Abasangiye to see the majority of its members earning more than $1 per day over the next year.

30Women

Twiyubake

Location: KayonzaMedium: Banana Leaf WeavingRetailers: Indego Africa, One Mango Tree

By 2011, 62% of the women in Twiyubake report never running out of food, compared to 27% in 2010.

(New Cooperative Partner)

5

Ingenzi Knit Union (Hope, Hoziana, Mpore Mama, Susuruka)

Location: Kigali & MayangeMedium: KnittingRetailers: Indego Africa, Anthropologie

150Imirasire

Location: MayangeMedium: WeavingRetailers: Indego Africa, Madewell, Nicole Miller

Women

Women127

In 2011, 45% of the women in the baseline survey of IKU reported that their income did not cover their basic needs. Indego Africa aims to change that by connecting IKU to knitwear opportunities in U.S. markets in 2012.

In 2011, 9% of the women in Imirasiri reported having running water in their home. Indego Africa’s objective is to increase that to the partner cooperative average of 26%.

(New Cooperative Partner)

(New Cooperative Partner)

6

Income

Running Water

5% in 200811%

in 2008

14% in 200818%

in 2008

TelephoneBank Account

39% in 2011

70% in 2011

Electricity

As a result of Indego Africa’s programs, artisan partners’ income has grown substantially since 2008.

Those earning less than $1 per day (600 RwF) has decreased...

while those earning $1.85 or more per day has increased.

26% in 2011

78% in 2011

The effects of artisan partners’ increased income over the past four years include:

In their homes: In their homes:

In their homes:

Have a

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2008

2009

2010

2011

301‐550

RwF

100‐300

Rwf

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

2008

2009

2010

2011

1101+RwF

7

Personal Story: Domitille Mukantwaza, 49, President (Hope)

Before her cooperative began partnering with Indego Africa, Domitille spent each day thinking only of how she would survive to the next. Her economic circumstances were dire: her family lacked permanent housing, often went hungry, and owned just one piece of fabric apiece to wear as clothing. She faced even greater misery at home: her husband beat her daily, forbade her to leave the house without his permission, and isolated her from the other women in her community. Moreover, Domitille had contracted HIV but lacked access to consistent medical care.

Through Indego Africa, Domitille’s “life really and fully changed . . . I am now a well-to-do woman, with middle income. I can eat what I want, wear what I want. I am confident, independent, and self-sufficient. I think back to what I was like only a few years ago and I do not recognize myself. And that is a good thing.” Domitille found herself able to buy a house, install electricity, meet her family’s basic needs, send her son to school, purchase health insurance, and set aside enough money to invest in side businesses involving land and livestock.

Domitille’s economic success engendered newfound confidence and she began to think hopefully about her future. At home, she began to challenge her husband’s control over the household and to call the police whenever he tried to beat her. “He was so shocked at my resistance,” Domitille recalls, “and . . . feeling so much pressure from the police, that he backed off almost entirely and the beatings became non-existent. Of course, the money I was bringing in made him respect me more too, but I do not let him have access to it, so that cannot be the only reason for the change. I think the difference comes from the inner strength Indego Africa unlocked in me.”

Today, Domitille has become a leader in her community. She is president of the aptly named Hope cooperative, and an informal counselor to other women who suffer from domestic violence.

8

Education Education is a woman’s pathway to independence. The cornerstone of Indego Africa’s training is our business management and entrepreneurship curriculum. Business training removes significant barriers – both structural and personal – that might otherwise prevent women from earning sufficient income without outside assistance.

Better individual management skills among women is reflected in cooperative management:

In late 2009, Indego Africa launched an adult literacy program in Kinyarwanda and English. Most of the women could speak and write Kinyarwanda, but none could speak English. Indego Africa also piloted a formalized English literacy curriculum at Cocoki.

In 2008, 0% of artisan partners in Cocoki could speak English. By 2011, 61% of women had learned to speak English.

Indego Africa plans to integrate six additional partner cooperatives into English literacy training in 2012.

70%In 2011

53%In 20113%

In 2009

KeepRecords:

Ability toAbility to

Manage Money: 5%

In 2009

In 2011, Cocoki earned a total of $21,175 10% into savings Equally distributed Individual members (each)

$2,118 $19,058

$681

9

Children’s Education

Generation Rwanda

Indego Africa’s programs grant children in Rwanda gain greater access to schooling.

Indego Africa’s partnership with Generation Rwanda provides University students the chance to gain practical working experience teaching Indego Africa’s training programs.

3%

In 2008 18% of women sent none of their children to school, by 2011 that percentage dropped to just

18 Number of local university students who served as Indego Africa trainers in 2011.

2 Number of Generation Rwanda scholars who Indego Africa has hired as full-time employees following their graduation.

It is very important not only for women but also for us to have this personal development. It provides for women the skills to rely on themselves in the future by knowing how to read and writing but also having critical thinking. For us, it provides advice on how we can improve our trainings and gives methods to use not only as trainers but also as students in University.

- Bigiyobyenda Innocent, 28 (GR Trainer)

Send all their children to school:

48%In 2008

75%In 2011

“ “

10

New Cooperative PartnersIn 2011, Indego Africa collected the first set of data on its newest cooperative partners, Abasangiye, Imirasire, and IKU.

New Cooperative AveragesAbasangiye, Imirasire, IKU

New Cooperative AveragesAbasangiye, Imirasire, IKU

Established Cooperative AveragesTwiyubake, Covanya, Cocoki

Established Cooperative AveragesTwiyubake, Covanya, Cocoki

In June 2012, Abasangiye, Imirasire, and IKU begin classes in Indego Africa’s training programs. Classes include business management and entrepreneurship, computer skills, and English and Kinyarwanda literacy.

13% 26%

63% 75%

53%

39%

78%

53%

Of the women have running water in their homes

3% 50%Of the women have taken a computer class

4% 27%Of the women can speak english

Of the women can keep financial records

Training Programs

Of the women Send all their children to school

Of the women Have a bank account

11

Personal Story: Rose Manirarora, 33, President of IKU (Mpore Mama)

Rose Manirarora lost her entire family during the genocide, leaving her isolated and destitute at age fifteen. Although she wanted to her continue her education, she dropped out of school because she could not afford the fees. Alone and with few alternatives, Rose quickly married a man significantly her senior. He died of AIDS within five years of their wedding, and left Rose penniless and HIV+. To survive, Rose went begging door to door and took on whatever odd menial jobs she could find.

Today, Rose solemnly regards how many of the more painful episodes of her life could have been avoided had she been able to continue her schooling. As a result, Rose is adamant that her childrenreceive a university level education. The income that she earns through partnership with Indego Africa allows Rose to pay her children’s school fees, and to send them to a private tutor after their regular school day. “I did not get to choose the course of my life,” Rose says, “but I am committed to making sure that my children will. The ability to do this is the main gift that Indego Africa has given me.”

78%

53%

50%

27%

12

Quality of Life

Health

Housing

39%In 2008

92% in 2011

eat 2 or more meals per day:

Own their residence:

Beds for all residents:

5% in 2008

65% in 2011

As a result of Indego Africa’s programs, partner artisans enjoy greater food security, more adequate housing, and improved health.

In 2008 40% of women were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their health and well-being in the workplace. That number increased to 100% in 2011.

41% in 2008

36% in 2008

65% in 2011

65% in 2011

This decreased

to

3% in 2011

This decreased

to

15% in 2011

In 2008 25% of women did not have a permanent residence

In 2008 49% of women described their homes as “very inadequate”

Thanks to Indego Africa, I can now eat anything I want to eat and eat however much and whenever I want.

- Mediatrice, 33, Abasangiye“

“

“

“

Women who reported their women and their families who

women who

Households with

families never run out of food:

Before, we were always sick with malaria, which made our poverty worse. My children often missed school. Now we are always healthy and malaria is no longer a nightmare but a distant memory. -Felicita, 48 (Imirasire)

13

Personal Story: Therese Iribagiza, 36, Vice-President (Cocoki)

Working with Indego Africa has transformed Therese’s entire life. Not only has Indego Africa allowed her to earn a sizeable income, but the trainings she received helped her “open her mind and learn how to use her money effectively to make it go even farther.” As a result, Therese has undertaken substantial domestic improvements, such as installing cement floors, electricity, and running water in her house. She pays school fees for each of her three children, and plans to send them to college. She regularly sets aside money for her families’ future, and has built a second home, which she rents out to generate supplemental income. Moreover, Therese’s hard work with Indego Africa earned her acceptance into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiative, which provides business and management trainings to women entrepreneurs in the developing world.

When she looks back on her life before Indego Africa came into the picture, Therese does not recognize herself. “I was a woman who was really just a girl. I had only a sixth grade education, and no confidence in myself. I felt like I was always on the outside looking in and was not able to feel comfortable around other people. Now I feel very confident, I can think of my future and my family’s future. I can make plans and use my independence to go on the path I choose. Indego Africa changed my perspective and my view of what is possible for me. Most importantly, by giving me the opportunity to work with other women as a cooperative, Indego Africa gave me a family – I never feel alone anymore and I feel support and love all around me. I am a different person in part because of my financial success, but even more so because of my relationships with the other members of Cocoki. Together, we have the strength that no one amongst us can have on our own.”

14

Looking Towards the FutureIn 2010’s Social Impact Report, Indego Africa set goals to improve adequacy of income, access to running water, access to food, school attendance and satisfaction with quality of life. Indego Africa is proud to say we improved in each category. Indego Africa’s 2012 goals include the following initiatives:

Enhanced Training Experience

In Oct. 2011, we convened focus groups at four partner cooperatives (Abasangiye, Cocoki, Covanya, and Twiyubake) to obtain feedback on Indego Africa’s training programs. Lessons drawn from these focus groups formed the basis for our education training program improvements:

What we learned: Cooperatives consider business management and entrepreneurship and English literacy training to be the most important subjects. What we are doing: We prioritized upgrading the English literacy and business management and entrepreneurship curricula, scheduled for completion in summer and fall 2012, respectively.

What we learned: In order to reinforce and apply lessons, regular assessments are necessary. What we are doing: We are building an assessment framework to test comprehension at the beginning, middle, and end of each curriculum module.

What we learned: More training time is needed. What we are doing: We will space out administration of lessons over two training sessions and develop homework to accompany each lesson.

Increased Access to Training

In 2012, Indego Africa will integrate artisans from five additional partner cooperatives into our training programs. With improved programming and more precise assessment tools, we look forward to reporting back in future Social Impact Reports on the educational attainment of our artisan partners.

Better Health Awareness and Access Heathcare: Indego Africa has partnered with the Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa to provide breast cancer awareness training at each of our partner cooperatives. Indego Africa is committed to identifying other similar opportunities to provide healthcare services and trainings for our artisan partners. Nutrition and Hygene: Indego Africa will seek out ways – whether by partnership or extending our training – to increase awareness on how artisan partners may achieve better nutrition within their income brackets as well steps to take towards better hygiene and access to clean water. Eyecare: Eyeglasses are a practical, cost-effective intervention that immediately improves the productivity and quality of life of our artisan partners. Indego Africa will continue to partner with VisionSpring to administer vision tests and provide affordable eyeglasses for our artisan partners.

15

APPENDIX: Four Year Trend &

Baseline Data

16