Rwanda Design Studios
Project proposals
To achieve plans for generating income for Shyira we have set up a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee to provide support for the people in the village of Shyira and elsewhere in Rwanda through their own labour.
Income generation can happen through a variety of different initiatives developed by the village people in conjunction with us and run by them when they are ready, with support from ourselves and others.
Several different approaches have been identified which will also include the promotion of Shyira as a destination for guests to visit
Shyira, A Rwandan village for the twenty-first century.
SUMMARY:
Through discussion with the people living in the village of Shyira we will discover skills and interests that they would like to develop and from which they might be able to earn money. Each project will be entirely run by the residents with advice and help as required.
To design and build several iconic, memorable cabins for rent to tourists. This will also attract guests to the village where they will spend money on crafts and other activities which have been developed by the village people. ALL profits from these rentals will be sent to Shyira. The income from this venture will have an extraordinary benefit for the village and full details will be published shortly.
To open a village store selling essentials together with craft products.
To expand the Cultural Centre, implement the proposed SCBI Business plan for craft workshops and import fine craft products made in Shyira (and elsewhere in Rwanda) to Britain and then send the proceeds back to the village. Full details will be published shortly.
To help develop small industries that can gradually re-build the prosperity of the village. This may also include re-starting the coffee plantation and investigating ‘niche’ crops such as olives which may not have been tried before...
To identify the vacant buildings in the village and suggest new uses. We propose setting up a trainee building team with apprentices from the village to develop them.
We would be happy to design and create a museum in the old hospital showing the history of Shyira, how the hospital was built, how the church was built there and to provide a history for the people who now live there and who are unaware of the background. We have photograph albums, books and letters from this remarkable period.
To investigate potential for guided hiking trips, bird watching tours, mountain biking, courses, and demonstrations of brick-making, basket weaving, wood carving and there will be many other ideas.
