Dukundane

Year(s) of Partnership: 2008-Present

The Dukundane Cooperative, based in Nyarabuye, is dedicated to advancing women's standing in society in the face of HIV/AIDS. Of the 34 members, 38% are living with HIV, 65% are the primary caretakers for someone living with HIV, 38% are the primary caretakers of one or more AIDS orphans, and 4% are themselves AIDS orphans.

Results: Dukundane members began a revolving savings and credit program in the summer of 2009, and have since maintained a 100% repayment rate. Members have used the savings from their project to pay for health insurance; 100% of members are now insured. Members also report that the increased autonomy they have thanks to their access to credit and their growing businesses has positively impacted the health and education of their children. As the majority of Dukundane's members are women, their ability to use their own money as they see fit has led to increased household spending on school fees and medications for their children.