August 22, 2023

On 16th August 2023, Caritas Rwanda conducted a field visit to its Gikuriro Kuri Bose Program (GKB) and RRF Project activities in Burera District. The delegation met the district leaders and the populations affected by the 2nd-3rd May 2023 flooding who were assisted by the RRF Project and visited one of the ECDs supported by Gikuriro Kuri Bose.

The activities of GKB Program, implemented by Caritas Rwanda and funded by USAID, include the fight against acute malnutrition. As it was said in the meeting between Caritas Rwanda delegation and Burera District leaders held on 16th August 2023, GKB Program is handling the problem of acute malnutrition among under five children in Burera District. As for the 2019-2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey, 41% of children under 5 suffer from acute malnourished in Burera.

Mwanangu Theophile, the Vice Mayor of Burera District, in charge of social affairs, said that Caritas Rwanda is a good partner, because their activities are successful.  “GKB came at the time we needed interventions in nutrition because we had a problem of acute malnutrition among children under five. For example, they have brought an unusual new idea to build ECDs with the Chef Village office to supervise it”, says the Vice Mayor. He added that GKB has helped in establishing and maintaining the Village Nutrition School (VNS), and setting up parent’s committees to fight against acute malnutrition. He expressed his wish to see these VNS established in all the villages of the Burera District.

Caritas Rwanda’s team led by Father Oscar Kagimbura, met with the Burera District leaders.

Father Oscar Kagimbura, the General Secretary of Caritas Rwanda expressed his gratitude for the collaboration between Burera District and Caritas Rwanda’s staff in implementing its projects. “Joint efforts produce tangible results”, he said.

After meeting with the Burera District leaders, Caritas Rwanda’s team led by the Secretary General Father Oscar Kagimbura visited a Nurturing Care Hub located in Gatovu Village Rugari Cell, in Rwerere Sector. Father Oscar asked the parents who were present   to continue taking care of this outstanding work they have started, by supporting the caregivers so that they don’t get discouraged. “If you continue like this, this nurturing care hub will grow even more and there will be other development projects in the surrounding areas”, he said.

Caritas Rwanda team visited a Nurturing Care Hub located in Gatovu Village Rugari Cell, in Rwerere Sector.

The Caritas Rwanda team also visited the populations affected by the May 2023 flooding, who received assistance from the Caritas Rwanda RRF Project. They testified on how the support they received helped them to recover, getting food, clothes, essential household items and some of them even bought small animals that will help them develop economically and get manure. Twizerimana Marcelline, one of them, said: “We thank Caritas Rwanda and others who supported us during these hard moments. Today we are happy, now we are no longer suffering from hungry, we have clothes, we have bought things to recover. May God bless them”.

The Caritas Rwanda team visited the populations affected by the May 2023 flooding who received assistance through the EA17-2023/RRF Project.

Blaise Turahirwa, in charge of disaster management in Burera District, reminded the beneficiaries that the cash grant they received was intended to help them rebuild, that they should not be still focus on the consequences of the May disasters, but look for ways to help them progress economically.

2,000 households from Rubavu, Rutsiro, Nyabihu Ngororero and Karongi districts were assisted by Caritas Rwanda through the RRF Project. In Burera District, there are 562 families. Each family received a cash grant of 92,000 Frw (for each district).

January 25, 2025

Caritas Rwanda Family, gathering 10 diocesan Caritas and National level joined in a two-day reporting workshop on January 23-24, 2025, at Centre d’Accueil Bonne Esperance Kicukiro, in a preparation of the forthcoming General Assembly of Caritas Rwanda scheduled March 25-26, 2025. The workshop was characterized by the commitment and active participation of all members of the network as testified by Head of Administration and Finance department, Head of Health Department, Social Welfare and Development Departments’ Representatives in their feedback remarks.

Closing the session, Father Oscar KAGIMBURA, Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda expressed his gratitude to all participants. “Getting well prepared will allow shortening the Geneal Assembly from two days to one in the future”, he said. The departments were reminded to keep joining hands in mobilizing more resources, maintaining existing and new partners satisfied through clear and transparent communication, creating more and more trust.

The new Caritas Rwanda Strategic Plan 2025-2030 will allow us to continue supporting those in need to improve their lives. Father Oscar stressed the importance of being always ready to intervene in case of emergencies and reminded participants of the pending approval of the “Preparedness Plan” inviting concerned persons to work on it as quick as possible. “This is the work of all Caritas departments as emergencies affect all your plans”, said the Secretary General. Participants were reminded of supporting Rwandans to achieve their integral development through informing them of existing opportunities, supporting them to access services they offer among others. Departments were mandated to synergize with other Episcopal Conference Commissions and Services, development should explore ways to support Catholic Church decentralized resources to significantly contribute to the increase of agricultural and animal production towards food security and access to food, leveraging existing warehouses and other postharvest processing infrastructures.

January 10, 2025

On 9th January 2024, Caritas Rwanda in collaboration with the Burera District officially inaugurated the Rwabageni Nurturing Care Hub, constructed with funds from the Dennis and Jane Reese Foundation, in Kiringa Cell, Kagogo Sector, Burera District in the Western Province of Rwanda. This NCH will help 80 children access early childhood education at village level.

Apart from fostering early childhood education, the Rwabageni NCH will serve as one stop site for community nutrition interventions supported by USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose program to fight against stunting among young children.

During the Rwabageni NCH inauguration, the guests visited two classrooms of Children aged (3-4 years) and (5-6 years) and observed how the community with the USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose support is improving Early learning, Positive parenting education, Child Play and stimulation, and disability inclusion.

Guests visiting the 5-6 years classroom and singing with them.

Father Oscar Kagimbura, the Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda expressed their gratitude to the Dennis and Jane Reese Foundation for funding the Rwabageni NCH initiative and urged parents to take ownership of the NCH to ensure its sustainability.

As for Mrs. Mukamana Soline, Mayor of Burera District, the Rwabageni NCH initiative falls within the national Early Childhood Development (ECD) strategy, which attempts to promote children’s development from conception to age six. “As local leaders, we prefer sustainable initiatives rather than those that end with projects, said Mayor Mukamana Soline.

Aron James, representing the Dennis and Jane Reese Foundation in the ceremony, thanked local authorities for their cooperation and expressed his delight in seeing parents actively participating in NCH activities. He also pledged continued collaboration to support the initiative.

Aron James, who represented the Dennis and Jane Reese Foundation in the Rwabageni NCH official inauguration.

This event was also a good opportunity to raise awareness on fighting against the stunting among young children. In her speech, Dr. Umurungi Serubibi Yvonne, Chief of Party for the USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose Program, reminded the participating mothers that they must conducted 8 ANC standard visits during pregnancy, breastfeed their children for 6 months without any supplements, and after 6 months, start giving them a balanced diet as instructed.

During the inauguration, the children were provided with nutritious meal.

December 29, 2024

In order to reflect on the past year, meditate and prepare for the Christmas day, Caritas Rwanda staff participated in a one-day retreat (December 24, 2024) at the Saint Vincent Palotti Center Gikondo.

Caritas Rwanda hosts this kind of retreat annually, which unites all staff members-both those at the headquarters and those working in different parts of the country. This retreat consists of a number of activities, such as hearing the sermon for the day, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, adoration, penance and meditation, Holy Mass, and meal sharing.

Father Emmanuel Nsengiyumva delivered the sermon.

Father Emmanuel Nsengiyumva urged the retreat attendees in his sermon to always consider why they work for Caritas Rwanda, why God has selected them for this work, and what will enable them to carry out their tasks effectively. “We become servants to everyone to whom we are given in order to serve them. You have to serve them and humble yourself as you become promoted. It is crucial to carry out these responsibilities effectively, and you will be rewarded for your efforts,” Father Emmanuel added.

Father Oscar Kagimbura, the Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda.

At the conclusion of the retreat, Caritas Rwanda Secretary General Father Oscar Kagimbura thanked Father Emmanuel Nsengiyumva for his sermon, which reminded Caritas Rwanda staff that they play a crucial part in sharing God’s love by engaging in acts of compassion for those in need. “By appropriately carrying out our duties, we demonstrate this love. People show their appreciation for Caritas Rwanda’s work. This retreat is an opportunity to thank all the employees involved in the various activities of Caritas Rwanda”, continued Father Oscar who also used the opportunity to wish all of the personnel a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2025.

December 24, 2024
December 24, 2024

The Graduation Project that has been implementing in Mahama, Nyabiheke and Kiziba Refugee camps and their host communities; as well as in Kigali urban was concluded on 11th December 2024 at Nobleza Hotel Kicukiro.

During its 5-year lifetime, the Graduation Project supported 3,017 households. The participants benefited from various training sessions and received cash grants of Rwf 800,000 each to start income-generating activities towards their self-reliance. 3,017 businesses were established, resulting in the creation of 4,987 jobs. 8 cooperatives were formed as well, to enhance collective economic activities.

In his opening remarks, Father Oscar Kagimbura, the Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda commended various participants for their contribution in the project achievements, especially in improving lives of refugees and host communities.

Father Oscar Kagimbura, the Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda, delivering the opening remarks.

During this event, the Graduation Project participants delivered touching testimonies demonstrating how they became empowered and self-reliant, thanks to this project’s support. In a gallery walk, they exposed and gave more explanations to guests regarding their income generating activities.

Some of the Graduation participants shared touching testimonies with the guests.

The Danemark Mission in Rwanda’s representative in the ceremony, Karangwa Viateur, stressed that after visiting the projects participants’ income-generating activities, they noticed that there are so many people who need help that one donor cannot support alone. He called on various donors to get engaged so that they can form a coalition and help people in need. In fact, the Danemark mission has approved the second phase of the Graduation project basing on its first phase achievements.

Karangwa Viateur, who represented the Danish Mission in Rwanda at the ceremony, called on various donors to form a coalition so that they can form a coalition and help those in need.

Mrs. Richelle Haines, who spoke on behalf of the UNHCR Rwanda at the Graduation Project closeout ceremony, commended the Rwanda Government for receiving the refugees and giving them opportunities to develop. Mrs. Haines emphasized that the Graduation project has provided lessons on empowering refugees towards self-reliance.

Mrs. Richelle Haines, who spoke on behalf of the UNHCR Rwanda at the Graduation Project closeout ceremony, commended the Rwanda Government for receiving the refugees and giving them opportunities to develop.

As for Mr. Karabayinga Emmanuel, the guest of honour in the ceremony and representing the Rwanda Ministry of Emergency Management commended Caritas Rwanda for successfully implementing a project aligned with the Rwanda’s 2016 leaders’ summit commitment to promoting livelihoods for refugees. As a result of the summit, the strategy was launched by MINEMA and UNHCR aiming to transition refugees from dependency to self-reliance alongside host communities. He also thanked donors for their support and congratulated participants on their five-year journey toward self-reliance.

Mr. Karabayinga Emmanuel, representing the MINEMA in the ceremony thanked donors for their support and congratulated participants on their five-year journey toward self-reliance.

The Graduation project closeout ceremony was also an occasion to share the lessons learned and the way forward through a panel discussion formed by camp managers, mayors, refugees’ representatives and Caritas Rwanda’s staff.

The Graduation Project is funded by the Government of Denmark through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Over a five-year period (2020-2024), it has cost $3,066,640 USD (around Rwf 4,250,000,000). It aims to promote economic inclusion and self-reliance of refugees and their host communities in Rwanda (with a target of 3017 households). Furthermore, the Denmark government had agreed to provide funding for the Graduation second phase.

December 13, 2024

As part of the 2024 World AIDS Day celebrations, a delegation from USAID Rwanda, UN Rwanda, and RBC Rwanda paid a high-level site visit to Caritas Rwanda’s Igire Gimbuka in Rubavu District, 2024. This visit aimed to highlight the program’s accomplishments in reducing the risk of HIV/AIDS, reducing gender-based violence, and providing comprehensive services to people living with and at risk of HIV/AIDS.

The delegates interacted with participants of the Families Matter! Program who shared touching testimonies on how their families’ lives have improved thanks to the FMP training. Some testified about how their families no longer have conflicts; others said that the positive parenting has impacted the education and the relationship with their children. Thanks to the FMP program, parents discuss sexual and reproductive health with their children, while others cascade the knowledge gained from the FMP training sessions to their neighbors and relatives, which has also changed their lives.

The team also paid a visit to the Duharaniramahoro Savings Group, which raises and sells chickens as a sustainable income-generating activity. The group that consists of 15 members (13 women and 2 men) was created in 2023 and received a grant of USD 679 from Igire-Gimbuka to enhance their financial capacity. The business generates at least Frw 250,000 profit per month depend on market.

Duharaniramahoro saving group members shared how the group strengthened their economic resilience through internal credits, and therefore improved their health and nutrition, enhanced social cohesion and well-being, and enabled them to meet household needs such as food and medication (all of them have community-based health insurance) and contributing to Ejo Heza.

The USAID representative, Esron Niyonsaba, thanked other partners who support the Igire-Gimbuka’s implementation and revealed that USAID is planning to graduate all participants who receive financial support, and by 2030, the way aid is provided will be changed.

During the meeting with FMP participants, the guests asked questions, including knowing the content of FMP training and how benefiting families are identified, as well as knowing whether those who attended FMP trainings disseminate the knowledge they received. They were told that FMP training consists of 7 lessons focusing on promoting positive parenting practices, enhancing parent-child communication about SRH and other life skills, encouraging delayed sexual activity among adolescents, and addressing risky behaviours such as early pregnancies and HIV/STI contamination.

The delegates were also informed that Caritas Rwanda works closely with local leaders to identify families that will follow the FMP Program and that the FMP participants share the gained knowledge with the community, starting with their relatives and neighbours.

Keisha Effiom, the Mission Director for USAID Rwanda and Burundi.

In her speech, Keisha Effiom, the Mission Director for USAID Rwanda and Burundi, introduced the background of the USAID OVC program implementation in Rwanda and added that the site visit shows how the OVC program has invested in families and communities: the Families Matter Program helps to reduce family conflicts, improve relationships between parents and children, and build cohesion among group members. This has allowed them to even discuss sensitive topics, like sex. She mentioned that these achievements are a good foundation for informing the multisectoral approach are represented. “Thank you for your partnership, dedication, and shared commitment. Let us work together to ensure a brighter future for our children, families, and communities in Rwanda”, she said.

Mrs. Pacifique Ishimwe, the Vice Mayor of Rubavu District in charge of Social Affairs, commended the FMP program because the participants also shared the benefits they gained from this program with the community. She urged them to spread this knowledge wherever they are, especially during these 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

To conclude, Bishop Anaclet Mwumvaneza of Nyundo Diocese expressed his sincere gratitude to USAID for the trust it has placed in Caritas Rwanda since 2012 in its journey to care for orphans and vulnerable children and to care for other Rwandans’ health in general. Bishop Anaclet also appreciated the partnership between Caritas Rwanda and the Government of Rwanda in implementing various projects. “If we continue this way, we will reach many vulnerable people and change their lives in a positive manner,” said Bishop Anaclet.

On the previous day (December 1, 2024), Caritas Rwanda participated in the celebration of the World AIDS Day 2024 at national level in Rubavu District. Caritas Rwanda though the Igire Gimbuka showcased its work in reducing vulnerability and preventing the incidence of HIV and GBV among OVC and their families. This year’s theme is “Ends AIDS, my responsability”.

December 13, 2024
December 13, 2024

On 27th November 2024, at Sainte Famille Hotel, Caritas Rwanda hosted its 2024 Partners Forum, a premier event that brought together key stakeholders in social welfare, health and development sectors. This Partners Forum showcased the achievements of Caritas Rwanda’s 2020-2024 Strategic Plan and outlined orientations for the upcoming 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.

The Partners Forum was also an occasion to express gratitude for current and future partnerships, and strengthen “Partner Engagement” across planning, program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

During this event, the stakeholders engaged directly with Caritas Rwanda projects and program participants through interactive gallery walks, where some of them were exhibiting they income activities.

The guests discussed with the Caritas Rwanda’s programs / projects participants who showcased their income generating activities.

One of the Caritas Rwanda’s programs/projects, Kwibuka Sostène from Nyamasheke District, testified how Caritas Rwanda through the Igire Gimbuka program supported him to accomplish a TVET program in carpentry and providef him with toolkit. With a small amout of money gained in his first job and the toolkit, he created his own workshop. Today, he earns at least Rwf 70,000 and has managed to buy a plot of land at Rwf 500,000 and started a pig farming.

Mrs. Claudine Nyinawagaga, the Director General of the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), in her speech, commended Caritas for its work in supporting the government fight poverty, and recommended the organization to work in close collaboration with local authorities at any level.

Mrs. Claudine Nyinawagaga, the Director General of the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), in her speech, commended Caritas for its work in supporting the government fight poverty.

To react to this recommendation, Bishop Anaclet Mwumvaneza of the Nyundo Diocese and the President of Caritas Rwanda, said that Caritas already works with local authorities, giving an example of how local leadership participate in participants identification, especially those who have not yet received other support. “We will continue to find new ways to reach more vulnerable people”, said Bishop Anaclet.

Bishop Anaclet Mwumvaneza of the Nyundo Diocese and the President of Caritas Rwanda, said that local leadership participate in the identification of programs / projects participants.

Hans Fly, the Catholic Relief Services Rwanda Country Representative who spoke on behalf of other partners, said that the reason why Caritas Rwanda gathered them on this day is because it values partnership across diverse partners either be Government, public sector, in national civil society, Church and so on. Caritas search solidarity in its mission. “What is the uniqueness, what Caritas brings to the table? It is its mission, which is also ours, to serve most vulnerable people and leave no one behind. After seeing all those achievements, I think Caritas Rwanda is a strong example of localization”, added Mr. Fly.

Hans Fly, the CRS Rwanda Country Representative.

The Caritas Africa’s representative, Bishop Pierre Cibambo Ntakobajira, who attended the ceremony, congratulated Caritas Rwanda for what was done during the last five years, and qualified the organization as a good example in accomplishing the Catholic Church mission of assisting vulnerable people. “The work of Caritas is not a job but a mission to restore hope to the needy”, Bishop Cibamba added.

The Caritas Africa’s representative, Bishop Pierre Cibambo Ntakobajira, attended the ceremony.

During the Partners Forum, Philippe Habinshuti, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) stressed that the Catholic Church through Caritas has been a pillar of strength and hope for countless individuals in Rwanda. “Your tireless dedication to the welfare of vulnerable people being citizens or refugees, your continuous assistance to people affected by social-economic shocks and disasters is remarkable.  We recognize the contribution of Caritas at Diocesan Caritas and Parish levels but also the valuable contributions of Christians whenever their neighbours’ needs are affected”, PS Philippe Habinshuti added.

Mr. Philippe Habinshuti, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) stressed that the Catholic Church through Caritas has always been a pillar of strength and hope for countless people in Rwanda.

In this event, attendees included leaders from the Catholic Church, representatives from international organizations, national and local government officials, Caritas sisters, members of local organizations, private sector partners, universities, and higher education institutions, as well as program participants and volunteers.

December 10, 2024

As part of its commitment to fostering inclusive growth and development, USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose proudly collaborated with local government authorities to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the support this year has been pivotal in making the day a success. This year’s celebration shone a spotlight on empowering individuals with disabilities and creating sustainable opportunities for their families. The event served as a platform to raise awareness of the rights and contributions of persons with disabilities while also addressing the barriers they face in society.

Collaborating for Change: USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose Leads CBID Approach for Disability Integration

 By incorporating inclusive principles into nutrition and ECD programs, USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose has enabled better access to health, education, and nutritional support for children and adults with disabilities. The training sessions and resources provided to 1,533 CBID Volunteers in Burera, Rulindo and Nyabihu as well as to local governments, community leaders, and stakeholders have strengthened their capacity to implement inclusive strategies effectively. This has bridged gaps in service delivery and promoted equity at the community level. Communities are progressively taking ownership of inclusive programs, reinforcing long-term impacts on growth and development.

Promoting Health Equity: USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose Ensures Vulnerable persons with Disability Receive Specialized Medical Care

USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose collaborates with health facilities and medical professionals to facilitate access to specialized medical care for individuals with disabilities. The facilitation includes financial assistance, facilitating transport to medical facilities, and connecting families with specialize health facilities.

 These efforts have allowed 180 person with disability including children and adults to receive essential therapies, assistive devices, and interventions that enhance their well-being and integration into the community in Burera, Rulindo and Nyabihu where Caritas Rwanda implements USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose.

Mukakabera Beltrilde, the mother of a child born with clubfoot in Rulindo District and supported to undergo corrective surgeries and fitted with custom-made orthopedic shoes attested: “Before the support, accessing specialized care for my child felt impossible. Now, my child is not only receiving treatment but also thriving in school and life.”

By working collaboratively with healthcare providers, communities, and stakeholders, USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose aims to break down the barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from living fulfilling, independent lives.

 

Building Financial Resilience for Persons with Disabilities: Direct Cash Support and Savings Groups in Action

Through direct cash support that reached 1326 selected vulnerable families with persons with disabilities in Rulindo, Burera and Nyabihu and the establishment of savings groups, USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose is making significant strides in advancing the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities. The direct cash support enables beneficiaries to invest in small income generating activities that will contribute to their long-term financial independence. By removing some of the barriers related to poverty, the initiative offers recipients a sense of dignity and self-worth, enabling them to engage more fully in their communities and participate in economic activities.

A Call to Action

While reflecting on this year’s celebration theme “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”, USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose reaffirms its commitment to building inclusive and empowered communities, calling on stakeholders to join hands in ensuring that persons with disabilities, particularly children, are provided with equal opportunities to thrive. Together, we can create a world that truly leaves no one behind. Let us celebrate diversity and take actionable steps toward inclusivity every day of the year!

November 14, 2024

World Savings Day, celebrated globally on 31 October, emphasizes the importance of saving and financial literacy for individuals and communities alike. In Rwandan rural areas like Nyabihu, Burera, and Rulindo, where access to financial services is limited, SILC groups are crucial for improving household nutrition and building economic resilience. In honor of this day, USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose Program has provided financial and technical support to highlight and strengthen the role of rural savings groups in promoting better nutrition and overall well-being.

Small Savings, Big Impact: Savings Groups as Catalysts for Better Nutrition and Community Resilience

In rural communities, SILC groups established with the support by USAID GKB are instrumental in creating access to funds that allow families to make small but vital investments in their nutrition and overall health. Members pool their savings, giving each member an opportunity to borrow, invest in nutritious food, and pay for essential health and childcare expenses. By enhancing financial resilience, SILC groups help ensure that families have access to nutritious food year-round, which is especially critical in times of economic downturns.

USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose Support in Action

In partnership with local leaders and relevant stakeholders, USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose provides both financial and technical support through capacity building of groups’ leaders and members in financial literacy guiding group members in efficient savings practices, budgeting, and investing in nutrition oriented income-generating activities while connecting groups with market opportunities. This combination of financial and technical assistance amplifies the group’s impact on local food systems, allowing them to grow nutrient-rich foods and further improve household nutrition.

Celebrating Success and Looking Forward

This year, USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose program’s contribution to World Savings Day highlights the success stories from several SILC groups that have transformed their communities through financial empowerment and enhanced nutrition. By celebrating their achievements, we hope to inspire further commitment to sustainable food systems, financial resilience, and child-focused health and development initiatives. The impact of rural savings groups goes beyond financial savings. Moving forward, USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose remains committed to supporting these groups with resources and training that amplify their positive impact on health and nutrition. This World Savings Day, we celebrate the transformative role of savings groups and look forward to continued collaboration for a healthier, more prosperous future.

November 1, 2024

In order to explore the best practices and knowledge in agriculture, livestock and income-generating activities, the coordinators of the Development department in the diocesan Caritas and a team from Caritas Rwanda, did a five-day exchange and learning visit to the Gikongoro, Butare, and Nyundo Dioceses, from 21st to 25th October 2024.

On October 21, the team had the opportunity to explore the community agroforestry and fruit tree nurseries managed by the “Twihaze Mu Biribwa” group. Additionally, it visited Canarumwe, a local enterprise specializing in the production and installation of affordable clay cookers in the village of Mutobwe, located in the Nyabimata sector of Nyaruguru district.

On the following day, this team was warmly welcomed by His Excellency, Bishop Jean Bosco Ntagungira of Butare Diocese. He commended the valuable work of Caritas and encouraged the team to collaborate, share knowledge, and leverage technology to enhance production and promote environmentally-friendly practices.

Coordinators of the Development Department of the diocesan Caritas and a team from Caritas Rwanda with Bishop Jean Bosco Ntagungira of the Diocese of Butare.

The team also met with Father Edmond Habiyaremye, the Director of Caritas Butare, who welcomed them and appreciated this exchange and learning visit. They also visited the “Centre de formation de jeunes” located in the Save sector, Gisagara District, and exchanged with the youth who sews to earns money, those who are following a professional training in (i) sewing, in (ii) hairdressing and beauty, and in (iii) welding. The participants are the vulnerable young people who come from various catholic parishes, but there are some who come on their own and pay the training fees.

In order to learn from the self-financing activities initiated by the dioceses, the team also visited the accommodation (guests houses) managed by the Caritas Butare, and the poultry, pig and poultry farming of Caritas Butare.

In the Diocese of Butare, the coordinators of the Development Department in Caritas of the Diocese and a team from Caritas Rwanda also visited a young man named Iradukunda Dieudonné who produces wooden objects from the hibiscus tree. In his income-generation activity, Dieudonné employs 40 workers.

As part of this exchange and learning visit, the participants visited the “Babeho Center” in the Tumba sector, and met with young people (former street children) who sew bags that are sold in Italy.

The exchange and learning field participants also visited Itangishaka Esther makes products from leather such as belts and bags, and sells them in her shop. She employs 6 workers.

On the 3rd day, the team travelled from Huye District to Rubavu District.

On the 4th day of the exchange and learning visit, the coordinators of the diocesan Caritas development department and a team from Caritas Rwanda had a meeting with Bishop Anaclet Mwumvaneza of Nyundo Diocese, who is also the president of Caritas Rwanda.

Bishop Anaclet praised Caritas Rwanda for organizing this exchange and learning visit, reminding them that Caritas’ mission is to support people to get out of extreme poverty. He added that this visit will help them expand their knowledge to help the vulnerable people to become resilient.

The Bishop of Nyundo Diocese encouraged the coordinators and the Head of the Development Departments in diocesan Caritas and Caritas Rwanda to find ways to increase Caritas’ own resources by initiating income-generating activities, for not only depending on projects.

Following the meeting, the team visited the BIF company, specializing in artificial insemination of pigs, chicken breeding, and the multiplication of potato seeds from vitro plants.

A team composed of the coordinators of the Development Department in the diocesan Caritas and a team from Caritas Rwanda during the visit to the BIF company.

On the last day the participants met to share the lessons learnt, and committed to discuss with supervisors so that they can put into practice the best practices and knowledge gained during the exchange and learning visit.

October 28, 2024

Along with Strive Foundation Rwanda and FASACO, on 23rd October 2024, Caritas Rwanda under the Igire Gimbuka program conducted an awareness campaign prioritizing mental health in the workplace at Bushenge Hospital and met with Nyamasheke leadership, Director General of hospitals, Heads of health facilities, private sector and security organs representatives.

The Word Mental Health Day is celebrated on the 10th of October every year. In October 2024 the focus was on mental health with the theme: “It is time to prioritize mental health in the workplace”.

During the awareness campaign at the Bushenge Hospital staff showed interest in the awareness campaign, engaging in presentations and asking numerous questions about managing stress in their daily tasks, taking into account the nature of their work.

John Ndikumana Steven, the Mental Health Psychology

The Strive Foundation Rwanda, FASACO and Igire Gimbuka team also met with various participants including Nyamasheke local leaders, Director General of hospitals, Heads of health facilities, private sector and security organs representatives at the Saint Bernadette Pastoral Center in Nyamasheke. The purpose of the meeting was to emphasize the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace through engaging presentations, personal testimonies, and interactive question-and-answer sessions. The questions focused on the alarming signs of mental illness, how to prevent stress in workplaces, and ways to support individuals facing challenging situations.

Mental health professionals in hospital and health facilities, answering the questions.

In her closing speech, Mukankusi Athanasie, the vice-mayor of Nyamasheke district in charge of social affairs, urged participants to maintain a positive outlook and cultivate supportive friendships. She emphasized the importance of managing stress and finding mental relaxation through a strong support system. Mrs. Mukankusi also commended Caritas Rwanda for hosting this valuable meeting, which she views as a form of training. She urged all participants to share the knowledge gained when interacting with others. By doing so, they can contribute to the promotion of mental health awareness and support within their communities.

Vice-Mayor ASOC, Athanasie Mukankusi, emphasized the importance of managing stress and finding mental relaxation through a strong support system.

“We must make a habit of communicating with those we lead before passing judgment on them. It is important to understand why they may be struggling before jumping to conclusions. By doing so, employees will feel more comfortable coming to you with challenges or problems. However, if you resort to bullying, they will run away from you and their mental health will deteriorate”, said the vice-mayor.

In a testimony given by a teenager mum, a victim of rape, she revealed that she experienced depression throughout her pregnancy. However, Igire-Gimbuka stepped in to offer her mental health support, helping her regain her confidence.  In addition, the program helped her access medical treatment when she had an accident, supported her in accomplishing professional sewing training, and provided her with a sewing machine. “I decided that no man should tempt me with money because, today, I work hard to earn it”, she said.

This awareness campaign on prioritizing mental health in the workplace reached almost 180 people from the Nyamasheke district.