Monthly Archives: May 2026

From 12 to 14 May 2026, Caritas Rwanda, through its Early Childhood Development (ECD) Project supported by Plan International Rwanda, distributed nutritious porridge flour made of Sorghum, Soja and Maize (SOSOMA) and sugar to Home-Based ECDs (HBECDs) and School-Based ECDs (SBECDs) in Bugesera, Gatsibo, and Nyaruguru districts.

The support aims to improve children’s nutrition and learning conditions in ECD by supplementing the contributions already provided by parents and caregivers. In Nyaruguru District, Caritas Rwanda provided support to HBECDs and SBECDs on May 12, 2026. The assistance responded to requests from schools for nutritious porridge for nursery children, particularly during learning hours when many children become hungry before regular meal times. In total 3,225 kg of SOSOMA flour and 1,505 kg of sugar were distributed across the district.

In Bugesera District, the distribution took place on May 13, 2026 in Ngeruka and Kamabuye sectors, benefiting 49 ECD with 3,675 kg of porridge flour and 1,715 kg of sugar. The activity brought together representatives from the district and sector authorities, Plan International Rwanda, Caritas Rwanda, and other partners. ECD caregivers were encouraged to use the support responsibly, maintain hygiene in ECDs, and continue working closely with parents to ensure children’s wellbeing.

In Gatsibo District, the distribution exercise was conducted on May 14, 2026 in Kabarore, Kiziguro, Murambi, and Rwimbogo sectors, where 61 ECD received 4,575 kg of porridge flour and 2,135 kg of sugar. ECD caregivers were reminded to ensure proper management of the support and to strengthen collaboration with parents so that children continue receiving adequate nutrition and care for the children.

Through this initiative, Caritas Rwanda and Plan International Rwanda continue to promote child nutrition, early learning, and the wellbeing of children attending ECDs in the supported districts.

Heads of Social Welfare Department from Caritas Rwanda and the 10 diocesan Caritas met at Saint Paul Centre in Kigali on May 8, 2026, for a meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration and reinforcing efforts to support the vulnerable.

In his opening remarks, the Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda, Father Oscar Kagimbura, reminded participants that the mission of Caritas is rooted in putting the Gospel into action. “We strive to put the Gospel into practice so that it does not remain only in words, but is reflected in concrete actions, especially toward the vulnerable, the marginalized, and people facing different challenges. Our goal is to assist them regain the dignity that God bestowed upon them,” he said.

Father Oscar Kagimbura also highlighted the importance of the Social Welfare Department within the mission of Caritas, encouraging participants to always remember that this department is the heart of Caritas.

He further called on participants to intensify awareness efforts so that more people become committed to supporting vulnerable communities. “We are not alone in caring for vulnerable people. Religious congregations, associations, non-governmental organizations, Christian communities, and many others are also involved in this mission. I encourage you to continue mobilizing more people to care for the vulnerable and to nurture the spirit of serving others,” he added.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the achievements made in 2025 and discussed the challenges encountered, as well as strategies to strengthen future interventions.

Through discussions and experience-sharing sessions, participants also reflected on strategies to prepare and mobilize communities for the 2026 Charity Month. Several ideas were proposed to improve fundraising efforts and encourage broader participation.

Another key topic discussed was the revitalization of the Caritas family’s database. Participants stressed that improving information management is essential for enhancing organizational effectiveness and ensuring that support activities reach their intended goals.

Participants also discussed ways to promote the Caritas spirit, particularly through traditional media, digital platforms, and community outreach visits to places where people gather or in their communities.

At the end of the meeting, participants discussed preparations for the World Day of the Poor, celebrated in November, and the Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed in December. The leaders emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to support vulnerable people in line with the Holy Father’s message promoting integral human development, listening, and synodality.

In a spirit of thanksgiving, reflection, and appreciation for the dignity of work, Caritas Rwanda celebrated the Labor Day at Centre Missionnaire Lavigerie Kigali on May 1, 2026.

The day started with the celebration of Holy Mass. In his sermon, Father Oscar Kagimbura, Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda stated that Saint Joseph is celebrated on the Labor Day because he is the role modal of workers / employees. As he stated, Saint Joseph honored his profession/job which was considered as cheap while keeping raising the son of God (Jesus).

Father Oscar invited all employees to accomplish with zeal their responsibilities but also doing well whatever they do even small chores at home. During the Mass, Caritas Rwanda staff thanked God for the blessing of jobs they are doing, but also prayed for unemployed people.

After the Holy Mass, the Employees Representative Committee was presented to new staff, followed by a presentation on the responsibilities of the Health and Safety Committee, including promoting overall health and mental well-being; ensuring appropriate conditions and support for employees to work in a safe and healthy environment; preparing for emergency situations; and protecting confidential information.

The participants also benefited from presentations on (i) promoting Caritas Spirit within the Family and beyond, (ii) Overview on Caritas Rwanda safeguarding policy and (iii) introduction to HR Policy.

The ceremony concluded with the awarding of certificates to employees marking 5, 10, and 15 years of service at Caritas Rwanda, as well as the recognition of Mr. Constantin Shyaka as the Outstanding Employee of the Year 2025.

On Thursday, April 30, 2026, Caritas Rwanda and its affiliated institutions, Librairie Caritas Ltd and Centenary House Ltd, paid tribute to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, including former colleagues, at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial.

The commemoration included reflections on the history of the genocide against the Tutsi, particularly focusing on the history of the area where the Nyanza Genocide Memorial is located, testimonies, and wreath-laying in remembrance of the victims.

In addition, participants visited different sections of the memorial while receiving explanations about its history and significance.

In the opening prayer, Fr. Oscar Kagimbura, Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda, prayed for the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, emphasizing that remembering them is an act of dignity and humanity, even though it is emotionally painful. He offered special prayers for former Caritas Rwanda employees who were killed during the genocide.

Ms. Huss Monique, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Kicukiro District, commended Caritas Rwanda for organizing an event that helps educate young people about the country’s history. “We thank Caritas for organizing this event so that the young employees can learn about our history, while older generations play their role in teaching them and strengthening the spirit of unity and resilience among Rwandans, so that genocide never happens again.”, she said.

Representing Ibuka, Ahishakiye Naphtal also thanked Caritas Rwanda for organizing the commemoration in honor of more than one million innocent victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, including over 105,000 victims resting at Nyanza Genicide Memorial, while also paying tribute to its former employees. He added that it is important to appreciate the Rwanda Government for creating the opportunity and environment that allow Rwandans to remember together.

Fr. Vedaste Kayisabe, Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda and guest of honor, recalled that Caritas Rwanda was founded in 1959 under the name Secours Catholique Rwandais during a difficult historical period that later culminated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, with the mission of helping people in distress. He emphasized that during this commemoration period, everyone should strive for three important values: “(i) remembering, (ii) promoting unity by working together to build the nation, the Church, and humanity, and (iii) rebuilding ourselves through solidarity and mutual support.”

The former Caritas Rwanda employees who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are: Rugangura Alphonse, Niyibizi Léopold, Beneyezu Eugène, Karangwa Claver, Bunangwa Eugène, Seromba Raphaël, and Nyirababili Joséphine.

 

In collaboration with Caritas Kabgayi, Caritas Rwanda conducted an awareness session on April 29, 2026, to promote the Caritas Spirit at Saint Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary of Kabgayi.

The session included a presentation on the social doctrine of the Church, the history of Caritas, and the importance of fostering a culture of compassion and service to the most vulnerable, delivered by Sister Gaudiose Nyiraneza, in charge of Awareness and Emergency Response in the Social Welfare Department of Caritas Rwanda.

Following the above presentation, Jean Népomuscène Hakizimana, Head of the Social Welfare Department at Caritas Kabgayi, explained how the Charity Month initiative is implemented and how dioceses have been mobilizing contributions since 2019.

Jean Népomuscène also highlighted the message of Pope Francis on the role of Caritas in the Church’s mission, shared during his meeting with leaders of Caritas Internationalis on May 16, 2023. The Pope emphasized that Caritas is essential to the life of the Church, stating that without Caritas, the Church itself would not exist, underscoring the inseparable bond between Caritas and the Church.

A message seminarians will carry forward

After expressing gratitude to the delegations from Caritas Rwanda and Caritas Kabgayi, Father Claudien Mutuyimana, Rector of Kabgayi Major Seminary, affirmed that the seminarians would put the message into practice: “The poor belong to God, and God entrusts them to us so that we may serve Him through them and show them God’s love through charity acts, as Christ taught us. If we truly desire to belong to Him, we must place the poor at the center. As Pope Benedict XVI said, helping the poor means giving them what is rightfully theirs: it is restoring the dignity that God bestowed upon them.” 

During an interview with Caritas Rwanda, some seminarians shared that they already engage in charity acts among themselves. During Lent and Advent, they organize collections, make personal sacrifices, and extend support to vulnerable people outside the seminary. Their outreach particularly benefits patients at Kabgayi Hospital, prisoners at Muhanga Correctional Facility, and communities surrounding the seminary. They also regularly participate in blood donation activities.

Such awareness initiatives help nurturing future Caritas leaders committed to human dignity, social justice, and service to others.

It is worth noting that a similar awareness session was previously conducted at Saint Joseph Major Seminary of Rutongo on April 22, 2026.