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Our Story

Talking Through Art was founded in 2015 by Petr Kočnar, a young professional from the Czech Republic.Walking the streets of kigali, Petr kept noticing destitute people with disabilities.Since he had a previous work experience with disabled people and an art background, he decided to approach them and organize an art therapy program.After the success of his program, Petr has officially esablished his NGO in Feburary 2015 with the dream of helping disabled people gain new skills,confidence and a place in the job market.Talking Through Art now has over 80 members in Rwanda.

Our members

PETR KOČNAR
Founder and CEO

Petr Kočnar is a young professional with an art background and a passion for equality. Originally from the Czech Republic, he previously worked in London as a retail manager, and in Nairobi, running educational programs for children on eco-farming. Petr believes that disability is not an inability.
HABIMANA JEAN
CHANCE d'AMOUR
Finance & Fundraising Manager

Jean Chance (Jeda), joined TTA in May 2018. He is in charge of the TTAs finances and fundraising efforts. Jeda studied finance at ULK-Université Libre de Kigali. He's worked in finance the past 6 years and he is a fun person, loves his job and is a great colleague to us all.
NDACYAYISENGA
PLACIDE
General Manager

Placide is our volunteer teacher. He joined us in July 2016 and teaches basic English as well as reading and writing for those who had no formal education. Placide performed various other jobs before his passion for helping others brought him to us. He says that TTA is like a family to him now.
UWINGENEYE
HONORINE
Area manager

Honorine was one of the women we approached in the Southern province and soon proved to be a reliable and respected partner. We have therefore decided to put her in charge of the operation in Kabgayi and make her an area manager. She started weaving traditional baskets at 15 and is an experienced weaver now.

MUHAWENIMANA
Emeliane
TTA Staff

Emilienne has joined TTA in 2015 as a item and quickly learnt how to weave baskets in a most professional way. Her English has also improved very fast and TTA decided to employ her to be in charge of the house, teaching new items weaving and also in charge of the kitchen.
MUKANKURANGA
JEANNE
TTA Staff

Jeanne came to TTA in 2015 as a item to learn how to weave baskets. She has also been studying English well and soon became a part of TTAs circles. She got employed by TTA and is in charge of teaching new items to weave, welcoming visitors and organizing TTAs gallery. Despite her handicaps,Jeanne confidently does her work.
UWIMANA JOSEE
TTA Staff

Josee joined TTA in 2015 as a item and quickly learnt weaving and English. She has been employed by TTA to be in charge of welcoming visitors, TTAs garden and teaching weaving to visitors and new TTA items. She also loves taking care of the house, making sure its clean and organized. She helps Jeanne with preparing materials for weaving.

Our Branches

branches

Southern province branch

In 2016, while searching for materials in the Ruhango district, we came across women with physical disabilities who were already experienced weavers. We have keenly incorporated them into TTA and they are now an indispensable part of our basket-weaving circles. They are in total 30 women and the number is growing. In May 2018, we have launched English classes thought by Peace Corps Volunteers, working and living in Southern province.

branches

Rwamagana branch

We have approached a new group of 35 women in and around Rwamagana town in June 2019 and started training them in basket weaving. Most of these women were just staying at home, some of them even hiding because of their disabilities. We have now given them a new hope and they are all excited to learn and produce beautiful crafts.