Their name “Indego” is meant to evoke the fundamentals of their misson. Not only does Indego Africa have a special connection to the trading history of indigo cloth, but Indego Africa partners with local organizations. The goal of such partnerships is to create communities that achieve new levels of:
IN-DEPENDENCE. DE-VELOPMENT. GO-VERNANCE.
When Indego Africa has success, the development partners quickly move out of the programs and are prepared to start their own self-sufficient businesses. They’re no longer dependent on Indego Africa but rather have gained the INDEPENDENCE to support themselves. In some ways, the ultimate success of Indego Africa comes when it has made itself unnecessary.
The beneficiaries of Indego Africa projects achieve a new level of economic, social and personal DEVELOPMENT. Their artisans gain immediate income-earning opportunities that allow them to upgrade their housing, improve their nutrition and send their children to school. As our development partners become durable community institutions, they provide a better environment for social interaction. And because Indego Africa donates 100% of profits back to our partners for skills training, Indego Africa engenders in each partner a sense of pride and ownership in their own development.
The concept of organizational GOVERNANCE permeates both Indego Africa and its development partners. Within Indego Africa, the entire team focuses on being completely transparent towards all of stakeholders, as elaborated on their Transparency & Ethics webpage. The cooperative structure of our Rwandan partners has proved an invaluable learning and supportive environment for women, but it must be managed effectively to provide benefits continually. Using its leaders’ significant business experience, Indego Africa implement governance workshops that focus on recordkeeping, banking, customs paperwork, government licensing and effective communication. Not only do their development partners become more effective, but the member artisans observe how an organization and model small business should function. |
