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Caritas Rwanda, Bamporeze Association, and Imbaraga Farmers Organisation, with support from Plan International Rwanda successfully concluded a three-day joint community awareness campaign across Nyaruguru (19/11/2025), Bugesera (20/11/2025), and Gatsibo Districts (21/11/2025). The initiative brought together parents, caregivers, children, and local authorities to promote child rights protection, Early Childhood Development (ECD), and household resilience through innovative farming.

Guided by the theme “Let’s work together to nurture, protect, and promote the well-being of the child and the family,” this campaign was conducted through football matches, community sketches, poems, and Questions and Answers sessions, with winners receiving T-shirts as prizes.

Mumporeze Football Club clinched victory with a 1–0 win against Papa Rumuri Football Club in Nyaruguru District, while Kamabuye Football Club won 4–3 on penalties against Ngeruka FC after an exciting shootout in Bugesera District. Kiziguro Football Club defeated Murambi Football Club (1-0) in the Gatsibo District.

The winning teams received a trophy and cash (100,000 Rwf), while the second teams received only cash (50,000 Rwf).

Key messages delivered by the 3 partner organizations

Representatives from the three organisations delivered insights aligned with their mandates as follow:

• Caritas Rwanda emphasized the importance of holistic child growth through the six ECD pillars and encouraged parents to engage actively in early learning and stimulation.
• Bamporeze Association highlighted the need for positive parenting, child rights protection, and collective responsibility in preventing child abuse.
• Imbaraga Farmers Organisation encouraged families to embrace modern and climate-smart farming techniques to improve food security, nutrition, and household resilience.

  

Messages from local leaders

The Guest of honour in each district praised the partners for working collaboratively and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting community-based child protection and development initiatives.

Mr. Janvier Gashema, Nyaruguru District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development thank the three partners for their collaboration with Nyaruguru District, not only during this campaign, but also in other activities they do that help to build an empowered, safe and prosperous family.

On behalf of the Mayor of Bugesera District, Rurangirwa Fred, the Executive Secretary of Kamabuye Sector, thanked the partners for carrying out the campaign that provides solutions to all the problems Rwandan community is facing. “If we continue to join forces, you as partners, and us as local authorities, I assure you that we will achieve a lot and build a prosperous and secure Rwandan community. The most crucial thing is that by caring for children, youth, and families, we are constructing a better Rwanda for the future.”, said Mr. Rurangirwa.

Mrs. Marcelline Mukamana, the Vice Mayor of Gatsibo District in charge of social welfare, said that the Gatsibo District leadership values ​​the interventions of the partners involved in this campaign. She emphasized “Umwana wanjye, Ishema ryanjye” (the campaign’s slogan meaning “My child is my pride”) is not just a slogan. “Rather, we should put it into practice: placing children into ECDs, protecting them from abuse, and caring for them, makes us proud”, said Mrs. Marcelline.

The Joint Community Awareness Campaign underscored the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring children grow in safe, nurturing, and economically stable families. By bringing together local authorities, and the wider community, the campaign strengthened foundational structures for long-term protection, early learning, and household resilience.

Caritas Rwanda, with a financial support from the European Union through World Vision Rwanda, has officially launched the Dukore Twigire Project in Karongi District. The launch event brought together district officials, partners, and other key stakeholders at Centre d’Accueil Sainte Marie Karongi on October 15, 2025, followed by a community launch at the Kiziba Refugee Camp on October 16, 2025.

The Dukore Twigire Project (2025–2028) aims to strengthen the resilience and self-reliance of forcibly displaced populations (FDPs) and their host communities in Karongi District. The project will directly support 598 households, including 419 refugee households and 179 of host community members, with a particular focus on women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

The Karongi stakeholders’ meeting held on 15^th October 2025, provided a platform for local authorities, partners, and community leaders to discuss project goals, strategies, collaboration frameworks, and expected impact.

In his opening remarks, Father Emmanuel Bamporineza, Deputy Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda, said that this meeting was a time to exchange ideas and continue collaboration so that the Dukore Twigire project will improve in a sustainable way the lives of vulnerable people. “We think that by collaborating, we can transform families’ lives, boost their self-esteem, and assist individuals in becoming self-sufficient,” he added.

Following the presentation of the objectives and activities of the Dukore Twigire project, done by Jerome Sebaganwa, project manager, the ceremony participants asked a lot of questions. One of them sought clarity on whether the consumption support that eligible families would get will be included in the 1,000,000 Rwf cash grants. They were told that the cash grant does not include consumption support, which will be given for 6 months.

The participants also enquired whether project participants would be able to select their own vocational training programs and were informed that they indeed could make those choices themselves. Discussions also evolved about teaching integrity to beneficiaries, where project participants will be taught positive values during the Hinduka Wigire training so that their lives can change in a holistic manner.

Speaking on behalf of the Karongi District Mayor, Innocent Bihira expressed gratitude to all those involved in the event and promised the District’s support for the project implementation. In addition, he mentioned the anticipated impact of the Dukore Twigire project in the following words: “The three years will yield good results that will help our district to move from the list of poor districts to the developed ones.”

Funded by the European Union, the project is implemented under World Vision Rwanda’s consortium and executed by Caritas Rwanda in the Kiziba Refugee Camp and its host community. It seeks to empower participants through three key outcomes:

• Improved, diversified, and sustainable livelihoods, by providing skills training, productive assets, and support to start or expand businesses.
• Improved social protection, cohesion, and positive behaviour change, by fostering inclusion, protection, and community resilience among refugees and host communities.
• Enhanced financial inclusion, through the creation of saving groups and improved access to financial services and market information.

By promoting market-led skills, entrepreneurship, and financial management, the Dukore Twigire Project will contribute to the broader efforts of building climate-resilient communities and reducing dependency on humanitarian aid. Participants will receive continuous coaching and mentorship to strengthen their capacity for self-reliance and economic sustainability.

On October 16, 2025, Today, Caritas Rwanda held an engagement meeting to introduce the Dukore Twigire Project, with refugee committee members, local leaders from the 3 cells surrounding the camp, quartier leaders, faith representatives, and selected volunteers.

On October1, 2025, Caritas Rwanda distributed starter toolkits to forty Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), who had successfully completed their professional (TVET) training program, to support them as they begin their journey into income-generating activities and self-reliance.

The distribution event brought together community leaders, Caritas Rwanda staff, representatives from BK Foundation, the trainees and their families. The toolkits, comprising essential equipment and materials tailored to trainees’ fields, included sewing, hairdressing, auto mechanics, and construction.

Mukeshimana Grâce, one of the trainees from Rays of Hope TVET School, thanked Caritas Rwanda, through its Igire-Gimbuka program, and the BK Foundation, as well as the schools that helped them acquire vocational skills. She added that during her internship, she was able to save money for herself and her child.

Nsabayesu Claude, who studied auto mechanics at Samuduha Integrated College, said he used the money saved from his internship to buy a pig. “Even if you give me Rwf 200,000, I can’t sell it to you,” he said with a smile.

Nyirangirinshuti Judith, one of the parents, thanked all partners who helped worked together to help their children escape from vagabondage to acquire vocational skills and who provided them with the startup kits they needed to start working. She also mentioned that during his internship, her child saved enough to buy 20 chickens.

In addition to receiving startup kits, the trainees also received certificates.

Advice to students and their parents

Uwayo Joel, who represented the BK Foundation at the ceremony, stated that one of the three pillars of the BK Foundation is supporting education: “Help us so that the efforts made through this partnership are not in vain,” he added.

Ntakirutimana Jean, Deputy Chief of Party of Caritas Rwanda’s Igire-Gimbuka program, explained to the graduates that learning how to find markets is one thing; finding and profiting from them is another, urging them to demonstrate professionalism and honesty to progress.

In her speech, the Vice Mayor of Nyamasheke District in charge of social affairs, Mrs. Mukankusi Athanasie, told the young graduates that they are not obliged to work only in Nyamasheke District, but that they can broaden their horizons and open up to other regions. “Just as you see that pompom on your hat swinging and moving everywhere, you too should go everywhere, putting into practice what you have learned and earning money,” said Ms. Athanasie.

The Vice Mayor also told the parents that their children need them more than ever and that they must continue to be close to them and provide guidance so they can progress.

This is the result of a strong partnership

This startup kits distribution is part of a partnership agreement signed in August 2024 between the five implementing partners of the Igire-Gimbuka program (two of which are no longer implementing it) and the BK Foundation. Under this agreement, the BK Foundation committed to supporting 200 young people from selected districts (Muhanga, Kayonza, Kicukiro, Rwamagana, and Nyamasheke) to enable them to pursue technical and vocational training (TVET) through Igire-Gimbuka.

Details of this partnership agreement are available on our website:

https://caritasrwanda.org/bk-foundation-to-support-200-youth-in-pursuing-tvet-program-through-the-5-usaid-funded-igire-ips-by-2027/

To watch a video of this event, click here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtCAla_yeoE&t=376s

Recognizing the role of synergy and collaboration in promoting sustainable impact, Caritas Rwanda organized engagement meetings with priests from the Nyundo Diocese, covering both Caritas Nyundo/Kibuye and Caritas Nyundo/Gisenyi zones respectably on 11^th and 12^th September 2025. These meetings brought together almost 60 participants, including priests, diocesan Caritas and Caritas Rwanda staff.

In his speeches (September 11 and 12, 2025), Father Oscar Kagimbura, the Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda reminded that Caritas’ mission focuses on love, on the Gospel, emphasizing that this meeting aimed to jointly examine how synergy and collaboration between Caritas and Church structures (from the Parish to basic ecclesial communities) can be strengthened so that their activities are productive.

Father Oscar Kagimbura, also reminded this passage from the Strategic Framework of the Caritas Confederation[1]: “Inspired by the Gospel and experiences of people experiencing poverty, we are part of the universal mission of the Catholic Church to:

• Save lives and reduce risk by building resilient communities, and responding quickly and effectively to humanitarian crises (Assistance, Social Welfare and Health);
• Transform lives and communities through the promotion of integral human development, the care for creation, the restoration of peace and social justice (Development, Peace and Justice);
• Call for a better world by amplifying the voice of those we serve, and convening people to advocate and act (Advocacy).”

The Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda also recalled the two pillars on which Caritas is based, namely (i) professional preparation and (ii) formation of the Heart as mentioned in the Encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI Deus Caritas Est (God is Love)[2], published on December 25, 2005 (page 31). In this regards, the Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda reminded all Caritas staff members to adopt the Caritas Spirit, which is a spirit of compassion towards people they serve.

The meetings were also an occasion for explaining more about Caritas Nyarwanda. As it was said, their contributions serve to assist vulnerable populations who need emergency support during disasters without waiting for external support.

SWOT analysis in groups

Participants worked in groups to conduct a SWOT (strengths, Weakness, Opportunity and Threats) analysis of current practices. They discussed what they should stop doing, what they should improve, and what new ideas they should start in regard to communication, advocacy, synergy, and collaboration.

The groups recommended to (1) develop a list of people who have been assisted by Caritas and the implementation of the Garukushime initiative, (2) to raise awareness on Caritas Spirit among participants, and (3) to conduct a regular campaign for the Charity Month to reach children before they go in holidays and farmers during harvest seasons.

The recommendations also included (4) intensifying reporting efforts about the use of the Charity Month contributions in all Caritas structures, (5) strengthening collaboration between Caritas structures, (6) fulfilling our responsibilities as part of Caritas instead of acting as project employees, and (7) promoting the visibility of Caritas activities in the development and health sectors.

In addition, participants requested that (8) staff in Caritas projects better reflect its true identity and collaborate with Caritas structures in the implementation of these projects, and that (9) the capacities of development and health mobilizers be strengthened throughout the implementation of projects, so that they can follow up with participants even after their implementation.

[1] https://www.caritas.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/EN22GA-04_Strategic-Framework-.pdf  page 5

[2] https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est.html

On 22^nd August 2025, at Centre Bonne Espérance Kicukiro, Caritas Rwanda together with the diocesan Caritas, held a mid-term review and evaluation workshop for the 2025 Operational Plan, the first year of implementing its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.

In his opening remarks, Father Oscar Kagimbura, Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda, explained that the workshop aimed to review the activities carried out since the launch of the new strategic plan (2025-2030) and to adjust priorities in order to improve the impact of interventions.

The operational plan was evaluated and revised through 4 departments, namely the Department of Administration and Finance, the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare, and the Department of Development.

The midterm evaluation showed that the implementation of the 2025 Operational Plan is on track despite funding cuts midway through. Some adjustments are necessary, such as transferring certain activities to other departments.

The 2025-2030 Strategic Plan has the following overall objective: The living conditions of the most vulnerable are improved in a sustainable manner by ensuring their integral human development in a spirit of solidarity.

For more details about the Caritas Rwanda 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, click on the following link:

SPlan-Caritas-Rwanda-FNL-2530-20032025-Final-compressed.pdf

On 12th August 2025, Caritas Rwanda organized a meeting with representatives of religious congregations at the Saint Vincent Pallotti Center in Gikondo, with a threefold objective: to raise awareness of Caritas and its reason for existence, its objective and mission, its values, its structures, and its areas of intervention.

This meeting also aimed to strengthen collaboration and synergy, as well as faithful reporting, in order to effectively serve the most vulnerable. In their remarks, the consecrated persons stated that they themselves raise awareness on the Caritas Spirit to assist the most vulnerable.

In his opening remarks, Father Oscar Kagimbura, Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda, emphasized that promoting activities related to care for vulnerable people is not seen as a publicity stunt but rather as an advocacy effort to help a greater number of these individuals.

Sister Gaudiose Nyiraneza, in charge of animation activities in the Social Welfare Department of Caritas Rwanda, delivered a presentation on the Charity and Mercy Month, the contributions made over the years, and the strengthening of “Caritas Nyarwanda”.

Afterward, Mr. Prosper Sebagenzi, the Caritas Rwanda Program Director, gave a presentation on Caritas Rwanda (Vision, Mission, Values) and its interventions, which extend across its network: 10 diocesan Caritas organizations, 229 parish Caritas organizations, 882 central Caritas organizations, and 29,141 Basic Ecclesial Communities (CEB).

The involvement of religious congregations in supporting vulnerable people is particularly important, as demonstrated by their highly effective interventions. Indeed, these congregations themselves promote the Caritas Spirit to care for the most vulnerable.

Participants also discussed the Charity and Mercy Month (August), established by the Catholic Bishops of Rwanda to strengthen Caritas Nyarwanda’s efforts with the aim of promoting resilience and integral human development for the most vulnerable.

Some suggestions brought up by representatives of religious congregation

Following the presentation of recommendations from the study tour conducted by the diocesan Caritas and Caritas Rwanda in the Ruhengeri Diocese (which ranked first in the collection of contributions for the Charity and Mercy Month in 2023 and 2024), representatives of religious congregations offered various ideas for further improving this activity.

Indeed, they mentioned that many people perceive Caritas as a fund where they can always find help, without considering their role in helping others. They recommended that more awareness needs to be raised to alter this belief.

Regarding the collection of donations for the Charity and Mercy Month, representatives of religious congregations noted that August alone is insufficient and suggested starting the collection as early as January.

Another approach to mobilizing people during the Charity and Mercy Month is to organize events where Caritas beneficiaries share their testimonies with Christians. This would help many better understand the mission and significance of Caritas.

Regarding the reporting of activities carried out by religious congregations, their representatives requested a standardized form to ensure accurate and timely submission of information.

It was also noted during the meeting that Christians of Saint-Pierre Cyahafi Parish had launched Caritas Iwacu, managed by a full-time coordinator, with regular donations contributed by the community. Representatives of religious congregations recommended that this practice be extended to other parishes.

The delegates also requested Caritas Rwanda and the religious congregations to agree on joint charitable activities to be carried out each year.

To conclude, Father Oscar Kagimbura thanked the representatives of the religious congregations for their participation, their interventions, and especially their excellent support to the most vulnerable. “Giving comes from a heart devoted to others, not from what one possesses”, added Father Oscar.

In a remarkable act of solidarity and compassion, 42 vulnerable families in Ruharambuga Sector, Nyamasheke District, have seen their lives transformed thanks to a collaborative initiative led by Caritas Cyangugu, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and Nyamasheke District. This joint effort is part of Rwanda’s national policy to share tourism revenue with local communities, especially those living near key tourist attractions such as Nyungwe Forest.

Among the beneficiaries is Mukarurangwa Marianne, who recalls the profound joy she felt upon receiving a new home: “We had been sleeping in a bad place for a long time, in the cold, in the rain… It was as if we had died from happiness,” she said.

The houses are more than just shelter: each houses consists of three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, an outdoor toilet and bathroom, and access to water tanks. They are a symbol of hope, dignity, and new beginnings for families who previously lived in collapsed or unsafe homes.

According to Father Hyacinthe Irakoze, Director of Caritas Cyangugu, the project was made possible through funds allocated by RDB under the tourism revenue sharing scheme. He emphasized that beyond construction, Caritas equips each house with basic furniture, food, and essential items to ensure a minimum standard of living for the new residents.

“After building a house, we equip it with basic furniture. Although RDB provides support, Caritas also seeks additional resources to make the houses more habitable,” Father Irakoze explained.

So far, 26 families have already been settled, with another 16 houses nearing completion. Residents like Bavugamenshi Théobald and Musabyimana Marthe have praised the quality and comfort of their new homes, comparing them to “model villages” and expressing deep gratitude to the project’s partners.

The residents are also taking initiative to improve their lives further. A community-led effort is underway to raise funds, each family contributing Rwf 10,000, to bring electricity to their homes. With initial wiring already installed, Caritas Cyangugu has pledged to advocate for external support once the families complete their fundraising.

“We have already collected about Rwf 120,000. We are still collecting. We ask you to advocate for us,” said local leader Nsengamungu Denis (Mutwarasibo).

Looking ahead, the project includes the construction of a daycare center with two rooms, a kitchen, storage, playground, and toilets. This will allow parents to engage in income-generating activities while their children are cared for in a safe environment.

In every word and gesture, the gratitude of these families is clear. Their lives have been renewed, thanks to a vision of inclusive development, where even the most vulnerable are given a chance to live in dignity.

For more information, watch the following video:

 

As part of its mission of promoting human dignity for all, Caritas Rwanda continues to intensify its efforts to mobilize the community and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable. In this regard, the organization organized a learning visit to Ruhengeri Diocese from July 8 to 9, 2025, with the aim of strengthening strategies for promoting the Charity and Mercy Month. During this learning trip, Caritas Ruhengeri was congratulated for winning the first place in fundraising for the Charity and Mercy Month in 2023 and 2024.

Father Oscar Kagimbura, Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda, explained the goal of this learning visit by recalling that the bishops established the Charity and Mercy Month to fortify Caritas Rwanda so that it could help the most vulnerable without only depending on external funding. The contributions raised during Charity and Mercy Month go towards a fund that quickly help people impacted by epidemics or natural catastrophes.  “For instance, in 2023, during the flood disasters in the Western and Northern provinces, Caritas was able to act quickly while seeking other partners,” Father Oscar Kagimbura emphasized.

One-quarter of the Charity and Mercy Month funds remains in the parish Caritas, and three-quarters of the funds are sent to the diocesan Caritas, which keeps half and sends the other half to Caritas Rwanda.

Some of the fundraising strategies used in the Diocese of Ruhengeri for the Charity and Mercy Month mobilization

Father Narcisse Ngirimana, Director of Caritas Ruhengeri, stated that to ensure the success of the Charity and Mercy Month campaign, volunteers must first be mobilized, the activities to be carried out must be established, volunteers must be prepared to support and understand the purpose of the campaign, and the contributions must be delivered to their destination. Father Narcisse added that another factor that has contributed to the increase in contributions for the Charity and Mercy Month is the Bishop’s engagement in this activity: “During various meetings, the Bishop encourages us to mobilize for the Charity and Mercy Month, and we share his message with others, depending on the institutions we represent.” 

In his presentation about the progress of contributions for the Charity and Mercy Month, Bazasekabaruhe Jean Damascène, responsible for the Department of Social Welfare of the Caritas Ruhengeri, explained that the preparations for the Charity and Mercy Month begin in November during the Caritas Ruhengeri General Assembly. The day before this assembly, the results of the contributions are presented to the Bishop to help them reflect on strategies for the following year. During the General Assembly, these results are also presented so that parishes can see their contributions, new strategies can be adopted, and then each parish can make a commitment.

During this study tour, those involved in the Charity and Mercy Month campaign in the Ruhengeri Diocese also shared their experiences on the strategies they use, including reaching out to Christians and other people of goodwill to explain them the purpose of this activity, and making it their own. This includes starting with basic ecclesial communities and engaging in door-to-door mobilization to encourage everyone to contribute to the Charity and Mercy Month. In some parishes, during Mass, Christians receive envelopes to return with their contributions for the Charity and Mercy Month. Volunteers also visit businesses, workplaces, markets, and other locations to encourage everyone to participate in this activity.

“Sometimes, when passing by a Christian’s farm, we see birds plundering and we pick up a small stone to chase them away, and this motivates the christian. Thus, we invite him/her to contribute to the Charity and Mercy Month after the harvest”, said Father Eugène Twizeyeyezu, parish priest and Caritas chaplain in the Bumara parish.

These strategies, and many others not mentioned, have enabled the Ruhengeri Diocese to move from 6^th place in 2021 to 1^st place in 2023 and 2024 for the collection of contributions for the Charity and Mercy Month.

Advice from the Bishop of the Ruhengeri Diocese

In his speech, Bishop Vincent Harolimana of the Ruhengeri Diocese thanked the participants for choosing Ruhengeri as venue for this learning visit. He added that considering the nature of today’s society and the pace of development, it is wise to help the marginalized and other vulnerable people so that they can regain the dignity with which God created them. “These activities require a lot of energy. This is why we must use the wisdom God has given us to carry them out well, in order to collect Charity and Mercy Month contributions that will help us fulfill the mission God has entrusted to us as a Church. This mission is within everyone’s reach, which is why we must combine our efforts,” said Bishop Vincent Harolimana.

Bishop Vincent reiterated that the foundation on which to build is to remind Christians of the legacy of love that our Lord Jesus Christ left us before returning to heaven: “Remind them to have a Jesus’ heart. This is the legacy he left us. This implies selfless dedication, especially to the most vulnerable, the poor, and those in distress. Other actions are the fruit of the feeling of being called, as Christians, to have a heart like Jesus’.”

During this learning, the Ruhengeri Diocese received a recognition trophy for achieving first place in the 2023 and 2024 in fundraising for the Charity and Mercy. In 2024, Caritas Ruhengeri was ranked first with Rwf 35,197,623 of contributions, followed by Caritas Cyangugu, which raised Rwf 21,313,555.

Recommendations from the exchange visit to the Diocese of Ruhengeri

At the end of this learning visit, the participants committed to (1) increasing contributions for the Charity and Mercy Month by 20% for the year 2025, excluding the Diocese of Ruhengeri. Furthermore, there should be (2) synergy between the Bishop, parish priests, Caritas chaplains, and school directors in community mobilization during the Charity and Mercy Month. Other strategies include (3) promoting the Charity and Mercy Month in both public and private schools; (4) motivating the Charity and Mercy Month volunteers through providing them uniforms, badges and facilitating their transportation and refreshments; and (5) reporting to Christians and other people of goodwill on the funds collected and their utilization.

Caritas Rwanda, in collaboration with the districts of Nyanza, Huye, and Gisagara, successfully organized an inclusive HIV awareness campaign titled “Play, Learn, Act for a Healthier Future”. This in-school tournament, held from June 21 to 25, 2025, targeted adolescents and young people, especially Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), through an engaging mix of sports, education, and real-life testimonies.

The event brought together six secondary schools across the three districts for a football competition with a powerful purpose: raising awareness about HIV testing, preventing unintended pregnancies, and fighting stigma associated with HIV. The participating schools included GS Mugombwa and ES Save from Gisagara, ES Regina Pacis and GS Butare Catholique from Huye, and ES Nyanza and Nyanza TSS from Nyanza.

Each district hosted an initial match between two schools selected due to observed student behavior concerns. The goal was to use friendly competition as a platform for positive behavioral change. These matches produced three district-level champions: Nyanza TSS (Nyanza), GS Mugombwa (Gisagara), and ES Regina Pacis (Huye), who then advanced to inter-district competitions.

Tournament highlights

The semi-finals and finals were held at Karubanda and Kamena stadiums in Huye District. Due to limited time, a random draw was conducted to determine which of the three district champions would automatically advance to the final. ES Regina Pacis won the draw, while GS Mugombwa and Nyanza TSS battled in a semi-final match, with GS Mugombwa emerging victorious.

The final, held on June 25 at Kamena Stadium, chosen for its proximity to schools to maximize participation, saw ES Regina Pacis defeat GS Mugombwa to claim the championship trophy. The victory was not only athletic but symbolic of the success of youth engagement in health education through innovative means.

Beyond the game: Lasting impact

What set this initiative apart was its strategic combination of sports and education. Youth were not only entertained but also educated through integrated messages about early HIV diagnosis, responsible behavior, and support for people living with HIV. The tournament created a safe and dynamic space for peer learning, encouraged life skills development, and promoted healthy decision-making among adolescents.

Over 2,800 in-school adolescents and young people were reached through the campaign. School leaders and local authorities lauded the initiative, emphasizing its effectiveness in mobilizing communities and recommended the inclusion of girls in future tournaments to further amplify the program’s impact.

This event stands as a testament to the potential of sports as a tool for social change, proving that when youth are engaged through platforms, they are passionate about, critical messages can be delivered with lasting effect.

Through Tubeho Neza Aheza project, funded by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia together with Caritas Slovenia, and under the Caritas Rwanda supervision, Caritas Nyundo-Kibuye distributed 4 water tanks in 4 schools of Karongi District, namely: GS Bigugu located in Rwankuba sector, ES Mukungu in Mutuntu sector, GS Gahengeri in Rugabano sector and TSS Birambo  located in Gashari sector.

This support aimed to help the four schools to collect and store water during rain seasons, to improve their hygiene and sanitation, and contribute to environment protection.

The project also constructed a water supply system called Rutoyi-Manji extension from source point to GS Manji, where 1,800 students accessed to clean water as well as people from Manji thanks to a water kiosk established in the centre.

On 24^th June 2025 Caritas Nyundo-Kibuye arranged a provisional handover of this water supply system to Karongi District and private company in charge of water maintenance.

How clean water transformed our school life

Students from GS Manji in Karongi District shared how their daily lives and education have been positively impacted by accessing to clean water. “Before, fetching water meant walking long distances, up to 30 minutes one way. Students, especially girls, struggled to maintain hygiene, often arrived late to class, and faced daily challenges due to the lack of water”, said Athanase Sibonama, a student from Groupe Scolaire Manji.

To watch the full testimony, click on the following video: