Welcome to the Ambassador's Special Self-Help Program

Guidelines in English	Sucess Stories	Photo Gallery
Guidelines in French	Guidelines in Kinyarwanda	Addtional Resources

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. The goal is to improve the basic economic and social conditions of the community or village. Rather than encouraging reliance on US assistance, the program encourages recipients to be self reliant and independent. Each project must help itself by giving money, labor or other services to the project. 

Now, in 2009, the program extends across the entire African continent.  Currently, the US Embassy Kigali, Rwanda is funding 6 Self Help projects. The projects include handicrafts, sewing, bread making equipment, a grain mill, expansion of a cheese making project and bicycle repair shop.

Grants are awarded one time a year. Funds are limited to $10,000 or less. Please read the guidelines carefully before submitting your proposals, there are restrictions. We will accept proposals the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month at 10:00a.m. at the Embassy Self Help office.