Welcome to Self-Help Program

Guidelines	Sucess Stories	Photo Gallery
Instructions	Amabwiriza

In 1964 an experimental and modest Self Help program was started in the tiny West African nation of Togo.  Its intent was to demonstrate that the United States government cares for the welfare of the African people and are interested in the self help endeavors of local communities.  Rather than encouraging reliance on US assistance, the program encourages recipients to be self reliant and independent. 

            Now, in 2008, the program extends across the entire African continent.  Currently, the US Embassy Kigali, Rwanda is funding 12 Self Help projects.  Each project receives $10,000 or less.  Self Help funds are currently being used to purchase cutting machines to make papyrus ceiling tiles, to purchase sisal and dye for basket weaving, purchase hoes and gardening equipment for a soy bean farm, construction materials for pig raising, bee keeping materials, cement for water tanks, welding equipment, and much, much more.