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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.

As part of inspiring Caritas Spirit and serving the most vulnerable, Caritas Rwanda conducted awareness session at Saint Joseph Rutongo Major Seminary, on April 22, 2026.

In her presentation, Sister Gaudiose Nyiraneza, in charge of Animation and Training within the Social Welfare Department at Caritas Rwanda, gave an overview of the history of Caritas both globally and nationally. She also delivered a message encouraging everyone to embrace a spirit of dedication to the most vulnerable, which is the very essence of Caritas. As she explained, Caritas means love of neighbour.

Sister Gaudiose also explained the concept of the Month of Charity (August), established by the Catholic Bishops of Rwanda in 1997. During this month, Christians and people of goodwill contribute through Small Christian Communities and other Caritas structures. This initiative aims to mobilize resources to support victims of disasters, both in Rwanda and abroad (Caritas Nyarwanda).

Following the presentation, the seminarians asked several questions to better understand the mission of Caritas. Some questions focused on other sources of funding for Caritas Rwanda, beyond contributions from Christians and other people of goodwill. They were informed that while these groups are the prime partners of Caritas, Caritas Rwanda also has income-generating activities that can serv when needed.

The seminarians also raised question about the selection criteria for vulnerable children to benefit from educational support, as some are unable to continue their studies. Sister Gaudiose explained that this requires advocacy starting from Small Christian Communities, followed by case analysis and escalation to parish and diocesan Caritas structures, so that those in need can receive assistance.

Father Marc Nizeyimana, Rector of the Saint Joseph Grand Seminary of Rutongo, thanked Caritas for the knowledge shared with the seminarians. He emphasized the importance of the Social Doctrine of the Church which they will continue to study, especially in relation to the charity dimension, described by Pope Francis as the heart of the Church.

The seminarians also shared with Caritas Rwanda that charity acts are already part of their daily lives (especially among them), reflecting a strong foundation for nurturing the Caritas spirit.

Caritas Rwanda organizes such awareness sessions in major seminaries and universities, in line with the recommendations of the Catholic Bishops of Rwanda. Diocesan Caritas structures conduct similar activities in secondary and primary schools.

A total of 24 field agents from the Gera Ku Ntego Youth Project operating in Rwamagana and Kayonza districts have officially graduated as Private Service Providers (PSPs), marking a significant milestone in their journey toward entrepreneurship. This follows a year of intensive training, mentorship, and practical experience in supporting savings and internal lending communities (SILC), after which they successfully passed both theoretical and practical assessments.

The graduation ceremonies took place on March 25 and 26, 2026, as part of the Gera Ku Ntego (GKN) Youth Project, funded by CRS and implemented by Caritas Kibungo in partnership with Caritas Rwanda across Rwamagana, Kayonza, and Ngoma districts.

Graduates shared inspiring testimonies of personal transformation and economic progress

Nzabandora Ildephonse, a PSP from Rwamagana District, explained that before joining the project, he was part of other savings groups but struggled to achieve tangible results due to a lack of clear goals. Through the Gera Ku Ntego Youth Project, he developed a business plan focused on pig farming. With support from his savings group, he built a pigsty (with Rwf 200,000), secured an additional loan of Rwf 1,000,000 (in SACCO), and successfully launched his business, which has since grown significantly.

Similarly, Dusabemariya Florentine from Kayonza District shared how she started poultry farming with just 20 chickens using a group loan. Today, her poultry has grown to 45 chickens, demonstrating steady progress and improved income.

These testimonies reflect strong confidence among the graduates, highlighting their optimism and belief that their future careers will be successful.

Recognition from partners and local authorities

During the ceremony in Rwamagana, Ms. Anathalie Mukankusi, representing CRS, commended the graduates for their dedication and achievements. She also expressed appreciation to Caritas Kibungo, Caritas Rwanda, and local authorities for their collaboration, emphasizing that although CRS provided funding, the successful implementation of the project relied heavily on local partnerships.

She noted that the graduates fully deserved their certification, having undergone a rigorous evaluation process that included written assessments, review of their field reports, and field visits to the savings groups they supported. All 24 candidates were found competent.

Ms. Mukankusi encouraged the new PSPs to remain committed and continue working hard to grow their businesses. She also called upon local leaders to facilitate connections between PSPs and community groups, while encouraging communities to fairly compensate the services provided by PSPs.

Representing Rwamagana District, Mr. Pierre Rutinduka praised Caritas Kibungo and its partners, noting that the trained youth represent a valuable asset for the district. In response to the request to support PSPs in accessing new groups, he affirmed that local authorities would take up this responsibility and ensure follow-up at the district level.

In Kayonza District, the ceremony was graced by Fr. Emmanuel Bamporineza, Deputy Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda, who served as the guest of honor. He expressed gratitude to CRS for funding the initiative and to local authorities for their role in ensuring effective implementation, starting from the identification of beneficiaries.

He also congratulated the graduates for their commitment and urged them to make productive use of the knowledge acquired: “The world is evolving rapidly. The gift you should give to Caritas and the Government should be reflected in how you apply the knowledge you gained, not keeping it idle, but using it to improve your own lives and benefit the communities you serve.”

Expanding impact

An additional 12 facilitators are expected to graduate on March 31, 2026, further expanding the network of PSPs supporting community-based financial systems.

Since October 2024, the Gera Ku Ntego Youth Project has supported 242 savings groups across the three districts, reaching 6,049 youth. Together, they have saved over RWF 101.7 million and accessed loans exceeding RWF 82.3 million (from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025).

Beyond group economic activities, these groups also engage in group service activities designed to inspire and encourage group members to give back to the community through collective action and social responsibility.

The 29^th General Assembly of Caritas Rwanda was held at Centre Saint Vincent Pallotti-Gikondo from March 23 to 24, 2026. The assembly reviewed the 2025 achievements, established priorities for 2026, and reinforced the Caritas family’s dedication to serving the most vulnerable.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Bishop Anaclet Mwumvaneza, President of Caritas Rwanda and Bishop of Nyundo Diocese, emphasized that the accomplishments of 2025 are the result of strong collaboration with stakeholders, including the Government of Rwanda, Caritas Rwanda program participants, as well as technical and financial partners.

Bishop Anaclet Mwumvaneza also stressed the need to strengthen local financial autonomy and community engagement to ensure sustainable and rapid interventions in support of the most vulnerable.

In his address, H.E. Bishop Arnaldo Sanchez Catalan, the Apostolic Nuncio to Rwanda, invited Caritas Rwanda to root its mission in the three fundamental pillars highlighted by Pope Leo XIV: peace, justice, and truth[1]. He noted that peace should not be understood merely as the absence of conflict, but as a living reality that transforms individuals and communities. Justice, he added, is inseparable from peace and requires concrete efforts to address growing inequalities and uphold the dignity of the most vulnerable. Truth, meanwhile, remains essential for building authentic relationships, especially in a world marked by ambiguity and artificial realities.

One of the highlights of the Assembly was the presentation of the 2025 activity reports across four departments: (i) Administration and Finance, (ii) Social Welfare, (iii) Health, and (iv) Development. These sessions provided an opportunity to assess progress made in 2025, share successes, and analyze challenges encountered. Participants actively engaged in discussions, demonstrating a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Although 2025 was marked by a reduction in external funding (a 16% budget decrease and a 25% reduction in staff), Caritas Rwanda expressed satisfaction at having regained a positive trajectory. Its projected budget has increased thanks to new projects funded after the 2025 crisis.

Regarding the Month of Charity 2025, a total of Rwf 239,508,573 was collected. The Diocese of Ruhengeri ranked first with Rwf 48,853,604, followed by the Diocese of Nyundo with Rwf 40,373,726.

During the Assembly, the 2026 operational plan was also presented by departments. Each department presented its priorities and strategies, leading to constructive discussions aimed at strengthening the impact and coordination of activities for 2026.

The second day was dedicated to exchanges focused on reinforcing the commitment of the Caritas family to serving the most vulnerable. Following

, the General Assembly formulated recommendations.

Brief overview of the General Assembly’s recommendations

The recommendations from the 29^th General Assembly of Caritas Rwanda place particular emphasis on strengthening collaboration and synergy among the various structures of the Church. Specifically, the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda (CEPR) and Caritas Rwanda are asked to consolidate joint work between commissions, episcopal services, and diocesan Caritas, in a spirit of synodality, to ensure more rational resource management and better coordination of actions in support of integral human development. Harmonizing the legal framework for collaboration and disseminating best practices within the Caritas network are also identified as essential levers for increasing the effectiveness of interventions.

Furthermore, the Assembly stressed the importance of strengthening institutional sustainability through innovative resource mobilization strategies. Caritas Rwanda and the diocesan Caritas are encouraged to explore new funding opportunities, enhance the value of their investments, and promote a culture of self-financing. Developing a culture of auditing and diversifying fundraising mechanisms, particularly during the Charity Month, is seen as a priority for ensuring these initiatives’ sustainability.

Finally, the recommendations emphasized strengthening Caritas’ pastoral and social mission within communities. This includes operationalizing chaplaincy services in correctional facilities, providing spiritual support in health facilities, and promoting the Caritas spirit at all levels.

[1] https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/speeches/2025/may/documents/20250516-corpo-diplomatico.html

From 3 to 5 March 2026, leaders from across the Caritas Internationalis Confederation gathered in Kigali for the Humanitarian Conference 2026, held under the theme: “Rooted in Compassion, Rising to the Challenge: Caritas Humanitarian Action in a Changing World”.

The three-day conference brought together representatives from Caritas organizations around the world to reflect on the evolving humanitarian landscape and strengthen collaboration across the Confederation. As global crises become increasingly complex, the gathering provided an opportunity to share experiences, explore emerging challenges, and identify strategic approaches to ensure Caritas remains effective and principled in its humanitarian mission.

Participants highlighted the profound transformations affecting humanitarian action worldwide. Growing geopolitical tensions, climate-induced disasters, forced displacement, and protracted conflicts are significantly increasing humanitarian needs. At the same time, humanitarian actors are navigating shrinking civic space, rapid digital transformation, and shifting donor priorities.

In this context, Caritas organizations are called to adapt their approaches while remaining firmly rooted in their mission of serving the most vulnerable. With its deep presence in local communities and its commitment to integral human development, the Caritas Confederation is uniquely positioned to respond to these evolving challenges with compassion, innovation, and solidarity.

The first day of the conference focused on examining lobal geopolitical and humanitarian sector shifts and their implications for Caritas’ humanitarian work.

Participants explored how international dynamics are reshaping humanitarian response and discussed how the Confederation can adapt its strategies to remain principled, effective, and well-coordinated. Discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration among Caritas members to ensure timely and impactful responses to crises around the world.

The second day centered on localization and local leadership, emphasizing the crucial role of local Caritas organizations and community actors in humanitarian response.

Participants reaffirmed the importance of placing local leadership at the heart of humanitarian work, recognizing that local actors are often the first responders during crises. Strengthening their capacity, amplifying their voices in global advocacy, and ensuring equitable partnerships were identified as key priorities for the Confederation moving forward.

Celebrating and sharing good practices

The final day of the conference provided a platform to celebrate and share humanitarian good practices from across the Caritas network.

Participants presented innovative responses and successful initiatives in different programmatic areas, fostering peer learning and inspiration across the Confederation. These exchanges highlighted the creativity, resilience, and dedication of Caritas organizations working in diverse contexts worldwide.

The Humanitarian Conference concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening solidarity across the Caritas network and enhancing the Confederation’s capacity to respond to growing humanitarian needs.

Rooted in compassion and guided by its values of human dignity and social justice, Caritas continues to stand alongside vulnerable communities around the world. The insights and commitments emerging from this conference will help shape the Confederation’s humanitarian action in the years ahead, ensuring that Caritas remains a strong and trusted actor in an increasingly complex humanitarian environment.

In partnership with Kirehe District, Caritas Rwanda and Caritas Kibungo officially launched the three-year Tunga Project, funded by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Caritas Slovenia. The project aims to improve the livelihoods of 3,500 vulnerable households. The official launch took place on February 13, 2026 in one of the Kirehe District meeting halls.

The Tunga Project seeks to strengthen women’s empowerment and improve the health and life quality of vulnerable households in Mahama, Mushikiri, and Kigarama sectors of Kirehe District by enhancing food security, climate resilience, economic opportunities, access to clean water and hygiene, and by preventing and responding to gender-based violence.

The project started in January 2026 and will run until September 2028. It targets 3,500 vulnerable households, including 500 refugees from Mahama Refugee Camp and 3,000 households from the Mahama, Kigarama, and Mushikiri sectors of Kirehe District.

According to the project coordinator, Emmanuel Uwiragiye, the main planned activities include training in modern and climate-smart agriculture through farmer field schools, the distribution of livestock and improved seeds, the establishment of savings and credit groups, the provision of start-up funds for income-generating activities, and helping communities to access clean water.

In regard to modern agriculture, Tunga Project plans to use drones to produce maps that will give farmers access to timely information and make it easier for them to adjust their farming practices in response to weather conditions.

Participants express strong interest in the Tunga Project by asking questions

Following the presentation of planned activities, participants asked several questions, including how project participants will be selected, if the project will collaborate with the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), and whether owning large plot of land would be considered during participants selection.

In response, the Tunga Project staff and the Caritas Rwanda team explained that participants selection would be carried out in close collaboration with local authorities, with priority given to the most vulnerable households. They confirmed that the project would work with WASAC to improve access to clean water and that discussions had already begun. Regarding land size, they clarified that owning large plots of land was not a requirement, as project participants are vulnerable households who would apply modern farming techniques even on small plots.

Participants also raised concerns about how some activities, such as water supplies, would benefit only vulnerable households while being public in nature. The project team explained that although vulnerable households are the primary target, some infrastructure investments would also benefit the wider community.

On the issue of refugees lacking access to farmland, the project team explained that demonstration plots would be established where project participants could learn and practice improved farming techniques. Refugees would also have the opportunity to rent land outside the camp to apply the skills acquired.

Partnership: A key factor for project success

In his remarks, Prosper Sebagenzi, Program Director at Caritas Rwanda, praised the strong partnership between Caritas Rwanda, Kirehe District, and local authorities, emphasizing that such collaboration is essential for the effective implementation of the Tunga Project. He expressed confidence that the support provided would lead to meaningful and sustainable results.

He also referred to Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls on humanity to protect the environment and consider the wellbeing of future generations. In this context, the Tunga Project was designed with environmental protection and sustainability at its core.

The acting Executive Secretary of Kirehe District, Mr. Joel Ndayambaje, stated that projects implemented by the Catholic Church are trusted at a rate of “90%,” expressing strong confidence in the success of the Tunga Project. He pledged full cooperation from district authorities and security organs, saying: “As local leaders, we assure you of our full support. Provide us with the planned activities so that we can jointly monitor their implementation.”

He further noted that, if successful, the Tunga Project would significantly contribute to Kirehe District’s achievements of national development targets under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2, 2024–2029).

As part of the preparation of the 2025 activity report and activities’ planning for 2026, Caritas Rwanda and the 10 Diocesan Caritas met from 29^th to 30^th January 2026 at Centre d’Accueil Bonne Espérance in Kicukiro. The meeting also aimed to strengthen coordination and synergyn within the Caritas family.

The meeting brought together leaders and staff from the four main departments of Caritas Rwanda and the Diocesan Caritas, namely: (i) Administration and Finance, (ii) Social Welfare, (iii) Health, and (iv) Development.

The objective was to jointly review key achievements, plan upcoming priorities, and reinforce cooperation within the Caritas network.

While officially opening the meeting, Fr. Emmanuel Bamporineza, Deputy Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda, representing the Secretary General, emphasized the importance of unity within the Caritas family, noting that all Caritas institutions share the same mission and vision. “This is a very important exercise that helps us complement one another so that we can achieve the goals we set for ourselves or those entrusted to us by the Bishops. It will also help us prepare for the Caritas Rwanda General Assembly scheduled for March this year.”, Fr Emmanuel said.

Fr. Emmanuel concluded his remarks by welcoming all participants and encouraging everyone to actively contribute their ideas, energy, and time to ensure the success of the meeting.

In preparing the 2025 activity report and planning for 2026, participants worked in groups according to the four Caritas departments, reviewing progress made toward the seven strategic objectives outlined in Caritas Rwanda’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan[1].

According to the presentations from the group work, most of the activities planned for 2025 were successfully implemented. However, some projects could not be completed due to the suspension of external funding that occurred during 2025.

Participants were also reminded of the existence of the Caritas’ database, which was developed to centralize information. All Diocesan Caritas and Caritas Rwanda are required to regularly input data through the four respective departments.

At the conclusion of the two-day meeting, Fr. Oscar Kagimbura, Secretary of Caritas Rwanda, reminded participants that Caritas Internationalis is the global confederation of the Catholic Church, comprising 162 national Caritas organizations worldwide. As the coordinating body for Diocesan and grassroots Caritas structures in Rwanda, Caritas Rwanda contributes financially and actively participates in Caritas Internationalis activities. This commitment positions Caritas Rwanda as a reference point, both in fulfilling its membership obligations and in contributing to international committees and working groups.

Fr. Oscar emphasized this by stating: “In the various meetings that Caritas Rwanda attends, we are often asked to share our experiences so that others can learn from us. Coming together in this way strengthens us, enhances our image, and enables us to collaborate more effectively with different partners.”

Participants agreed to finalize and improve their activity reports, with a deadline set for March 16, 2026.

[1] https://caritasrwanda.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/SPlan-Caritas-Rwanda-FNL-2530-20032025-Final-compressed.pdf page 11.

In Gatsibo District, increased male involvement in Early Childhood Development (ECD) has significantly improved children’s wellbeing and family relationships. Through the “Papa Rumuri” initiative, implemented by Caritas Rwanda under the ECD Project with support from Plan International Rwanda, fathers are now playing an active role in childcare, both at home-based ECD (HBECDs) and within their households.

Traditionally, childcare responsibilities have largely been considered the role of women, despite repeated awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of shared parenting. This imbalance often resulted in children missing out on essential services such as ECD attendance, proper nutrition, and emotional support, factors critical to healthy child development.

To address this gap, Caritas Rwanda introduced the Papa Rumuri program in 2022 across its supported HBECDs. The initiative aims to strengthen fathers’ participation in childcare while also responding to practical challenges such as shortages of firewood and water used in meal preparation at HBECDs. More importantly, it seeks to ensure that children benefit from the care and guidance of both parents.

Under the program, each village selects ten Papa Rumuri role models, and every HBECDs has at least one male representative. These men receive training on positive parenting, child development, and their specific role in supporting ECD services. They then cascade on this knowledge to other fathers in their communities, creating a ripple effect of behavioural change.

Parents in Gatsibo report that the initiative has helped children feel more secure and valued within a complete family environment. The lessons learned through Papa Rumuri extend beyond HBECDs into households, where improved cooperation between husbands and wives has strengthened family unity and economic progress.

Jean Bosco Ndagiwenimana, a father of four from Kabarore Sector, describes how his mindset has changed since becoming a Papa Rumuri. Previously, he believed that his responsibility ended with providing financially. Today, he regularly visits HBECDs, talks and plays with children, and supports household chores when his wife is busy.

“Sometimes I go to the HBECD and play with the children. They are very happy to see a man playing with them and encouraging them. It is important because raising a child should not be the responsibility of the mother alone. When my wife is busy, I support her with household work and childcare, and this has helped our family progress in ways we never experienced before,” he explains.

Antoinette Yankurije, a mother of two from Rwimbogo Sector, emphasizes the value of male participation at HBECD. Fathers now help fetch water, collect firewood, bring children to the HBECDs, and attend parenting sessions, contributions that strengthen collaboration between parents and improve family life at home.

The positive impact of the program is also observed at the institutional level. Christine Kayitesi, ECD Project Coordinator at Caritas Rwanda, notes that tangible changes have occurred since the introduction of Papa Rumuri.

“We see clear results. Women tell us that childcare is no longer their responsibility alone. Fathers now bring children to HBECDs and pick them up when mothers are unavailable. In the past, a child would miss ECD sessions even when the father was at home. Today, that no longer happens,” she says.

Men are also actively involved in establishing kitchen gardens at HBECDs and supporting logistics such as water and firewood supply, tasks that further strengthen service delivery and sustainability.

According to Jean Claude Habiyaremye, Director of Health in Gatsibo District, the Papa Rumuri initiative demonstrates the long-term value of educating fathers on childcare responsibilities.

“What we have observed is very encouraging. When men and women work together in ECDs, children receive better care, attendance improves, and families use their own resources to support the ECDs. Even if Caritas Rwanda were to withdraw, this collaboration would continue because parents now understand its importance,” he explains.

Currently, in Gatsibo District, Caritas Rwanda supports 59 HBECDs, serving 1,239 young children, with the involvement of over 130 Papa Rumuri role models across 10 cells. The initiative is also implemented in Bugesera and Nyaruguru districts, ensuring that male engagement remains a core pillar of the ECD Project.

Through Papa Rumuri, fathers are redefining their role, not only as providers, but as caregivers, role models, and partners in nurturing children’s growth and development.