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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

On 27^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 21^st to 25^th 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.

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.

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.

Along with Strive Foundation Rwanda and FASACO, on 23^rd 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 10^th 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.

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.

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.

“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.

From 08 to 10 October 2024, the Igire Gimbuka team met in a quarterly meeting at Cenetra Hotel / Kabuga, to reflect on ways to improve their work. In his opening remarks, Father Oscar Kagimbura, the Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda urged them to serve the program participants keeping in mind the Caritas Rwanda’s vision of promoting human dignity for All.

During the meeting, participants had the opportunity to self-assess their work in groups (SWOT analysis), examining their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges in their daily activities. The self-assessment will help the Igire-Gimbuka staff to improve their work, basing on the recommendations formulated in their groups during the meeting.

Among the various recommendations formulated after the SWOT analysis, we can list making effort for effective communication, the continuous staff capacity improvement, reinforcement of priests’ engagement in program activities, and improving the working strategy with ARV Nurses in order to achieve program objectives.

The team also had the opportunity to develop an implementation plan for the activities for the first quarter of the 3^rd year of Igire-Gimbuka implementation (October – December 2024).

In his closing remarks, the Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda called on the Igire-Gimbuka program staff to assume ownership of their work, to communicate effectively and ensure a good collaboration. “If we do this, we will easily reach our objectives”, said Father Oscar.

Igire-Gimbuka is a 5-year program launched in October 2022, with funds from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief “PEPFAR”, through the United States Agency for International Development “USAID”,

In 5 years, the Igire-Gimbuka targets to reach 80,000 OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children), from Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rubavu and Rutsiro districts, by keeping the OVC and vulnerable households healthy, safe, stable, and schooled. In this context, the Igire-Gimbuka has reached 51,427 program participant (more than 60%) in two years.

On 24^th September 2024, a delegation from Caritas Rwanda and Caritas Kibungo heads of departments convened at the Caritas Kibungo headquarters in Ngoma District with the goal of evaluating the implementation of the Caritas Rwanda General Assembly 2023 recommendations (for the Social Welfare department). In addition, the team exchanged ideas on fundraising strategies for the Charity Month, and visited the Home of Joy (located in Ngoma district) and the Urugo rw’Amahoro Kabarondo Center (Kayonza district).

The team’s conversations centered on promoting the visibility Caritas Rwanda’ visibility through Catholic Church media and on social media. A brief training on story development was also provided to the participants, as it will enable all departments to develop stories for publication in Kinyamateka and the Caritas Contact magazine.

This meeting was also an opportunity to recall the activities carried out to celebrate the World Day of the Poor including the celebration of a Holy Mass, meals sharing with the poor; and providing gifts and/or food to the poor. During the celebration of the Caritas Day, it is important to raise awareness on Caritas, its values, while people who have previously benefited from Caritas’ educational support are encouraged to assist those in need.

According to the Caritas Kibungo staff, all parishes celebrate the World Day of the Poor and Caritas Day, with the exception of the Rukoma Parish, where these days are observed at the central level. People from all religious denominations contribute for the World Day of the Poor celebration since Caritas supports vulnerable people without discrimination. The meeting recalled that material possessions are not as important to the vulnerable people as love. It is crucial to love them first.

Awareness raising for the Charity Month

In order to increase the contribution to the Month of Charity and Mercy, in May and June 2024, Caritas volunteers have been animating in all parishes. In addition, Caritas Kibungo plans to raise awareness of the Month of Charity and Mercy in schools soon.

Caritas volunteers have been mobilizing to contribute to the Charity Month in all parishes in May and June 2024. Furthermore, Caritas Kibungo intends to raise awareness about the Charity Month in schools.

 

Another strategy is to organize a group of individuals who have received educational support from Caritas so they can help those in need as well. They can still contribute to the Charity Month for years to come, even though it is a little late to donate this year. Every year in May and June, parishes kick off Charity Month fundraising, as stated by the Caritas Kibungo team. Perishable items are immediately distributed while those that can be stocked are distributed during the celebration of the World Day of the Poor in November.

In addition, participants shared suggestions for additional fundraising strategies during Charity Month, such as using loudspeakers to broadcast messages and raise awareness in crowded locations like the market and bus park. Also, to increase contributions for the Charity Month, there is a way to mobilize members of savings and internal lending community groups that are supported by Caritas Kibungo through projects. Staff from the Caritas Kibungo projects and the Social Welfare Department will collaborate to organize field visits to the savings groups.

With regard to (i) [1]Harmonize, coordinate and strengthen the volunteer system within the Caritas network with emphasis on youth mobilization; as well as (ii) [2]strengthening the support for integral human development with emphasis on young people, the Caritas Kibungo team said that the awareness is regularly conducted to make Caritas known among the youth, promoting its values, and calling them to be involved in volunteering activities. The mobilization is organized in schools, universities and seminaries, so that children and youth grow up with a heart filled with love and help vulnerable people.

At the end of the meeting, the Caritas Kibungo team thanked Caritas Rwanda for organizing such a collaborative meeting, and promised that they will implement the ideas from exchanges in order to refine what they do.

After the meeting, the joint team visited the Home of Joy run by the Missionary of Charity Sisters (in Ngoma district) and the Urugo rw’Amahoro Kabarondo Centre run by the volunteers (in Kayonza district). Both centres care for vulnerable people.

[1] 7^th recommendation from the Caritas Rwanda General Assembly 2023, regarding the diocesan Caritas.

[2] 8^th recommendation from the Caritas Rwanda General Assembly 2023, regarding the diocesan Caritas.

On 26^th and 27^th September 2024, Caritas Rwanda and diocesan Caritas directors and heads of departments met to evaluate the Caritas Rwanda 2020-2024 strategic plan and draft the 2025-2030 strategic plan. Representatives from international Caritas organizations in Rwanda also attended this workshop.

The overall objective of Caritas Rwanda’s 2020-2024 Strategic Plan was to: Ensure integral human development in a spirit of solidarity to contribute to improving the living conditions of vulnerable people. The interventions were implemented through 8 specific objectives as listed below:

• Strengthen capacities for resource mobilization and management
• To raise awareness of the identity and mission of Caritas
• Improve the living conditions of vulnerable people
• Minimize the effects of humanitarian crises on impacted communities
• Contribute to access to and availability of affordable and quality preventive, promotive, curative, palliative and rehabilitative health services
• Contributing to the country’s efforts to slow down the galloping demographic growth, by regulating births using PFN methods according to the principles of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church
• Improve the nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women and children under 6 years old
• Increasing the economic capacities of vulnerable people in line with the principles of sustainable development

During the workshop, the evaluation showed that all planned activities were implemented and contributed significantly to Vision 2050, NST1 in terms of job creation, food security, poverty reduction, as well as efforts to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Among the key achievements of the Caritas Rwanda strategic plan 2020-2024, over Rwf 3,658,470,625 of cash grants were provided to 5,582 vulnerable households to create income generating activities, 4,947 savings groups were established and have saved Rwf 2,232,879,536 along the 5 years. Over 1620 jobs created as well.

During this period, 31,289 OVC received education support including 21,917 in primary, 6,832 in secondary and 2540 in TVET Program. In the 4 first years of this strategic plan (2020-2023), the contributions of the charity month equal to Rwf 364,868,744.

In addition, 1029 children under 5 with malnutrition status were rehabilitated through 1,894 village nutrition schools.

Caritas Rwanda runs its activities throughout the Country, leveraging its strong network of 10 Diocesan Caritas, 231 Parish Caritas, 882 Sub-parish Caritas, 29,141 Basic Christian Community Caritas and more than 56,345 volunteers. Caritas Rwanda interventions fall into four departments: (i) the Department of Administration and Finance, (ii) the Department of Social Welfare, (iii) the Department of Health; and (iv) the Department of Development.