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Our Giveback

Every Misiyo product we make gives health insurance to someone in Rwanda. Together, we've given back over 110,000 months of health insurance since 2019.

Rwandan woman holding a Misiyo candle - a recent recipient of health insurance from our giveback
Misiyo founder Sherah standing with Rwandan founders of The River, James and Jackie
Rwandan woman recipient of health insurance from Misiyo Candle Co - smiling and holding a candle

Misiyo means 'mission' in the native Rwandan language because giving back is our purpose, our why and our mission.

We believe the small things make a big difference around the world!

Why Rwanda?

Since 2010, we have personally been volunteering with and supporting a non-profit organization in Rwanda called Irere Foundation and have seen the difference being made firsthand.

By providing health insurance to those in need through Irere, everyone we support is able to live a healthier life. We don't believe in handouts; we believe in equal opportunity and raising up those who may need a helping hand.

Those supported with health insurance are able to live a healthier life. They are empowered in their education, career and family life, making our world a more beautiful and free place

Our Partner:
Irere Foundation

Founded and run by James + Jackie (pictured), Irere Foundation has been working with disadvantaged families, orphans and widows around Rwanda for over 15 years.

Along with providing health insurance, some other programs they run are:

- providing food for those dealing with short term food insecurity

- overseeing farming cooperatives to build community and revitalize local vendor markets

- providing financial aid for education

- training people in vocational skills like sewing and styling hair

The River founders James and Jackie, pictured together on a hilltop overlooking Kigali, Rwanda
The River founder Jackie speaking some encouragement to women in their farming cooperative in rural Rwanda
Rwandan girls dancing at their vocational school in rural Rwanda
Dusk in the Rwandan countryside with a red dirt road and banana trees on their side
Women graduating from their sewing training and showing off the bags they have made at The River vocational training centre in rural Rwanda
Misiyo founder Shelby and The River founder James walking down the road towards a market stall in Kigali, Rwanda

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.”

― Benjamin Disraeli

SHOP + GIVE BACK

How Our Giveback is Administered

Irere Foundation (formerly known as The River) is a recognized charitable organization within the country of Rwanda. Our giveback is tallied throughout the year and then paid yearly in May. Each person supported will receive twelve months of health insurance coverage starting in July of that year. Rwanda has a leading health care system within Africa and their community-based insurance program offers care to everyone within their country using a tiered premium approach. Those we support are families and individuals who provide for themselves, but who may not be able to afford their premiums for the year due to circumstances beyond their control.