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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.

Savings and Internal Lending Community groups (SILC groups) supported by Caritas Rwanda in partnership with Plan International Rwanda through the ECD Project are playing a vital role in improving the livelihoods of parents whose children attend home-based Early Childhood Development (HBECD), particularly in Bugesera District. Their testimonies show that the improved savings groups have strengthened their economic resilience while also helping them to provide for their children’s needs.

Parents explain that, through these groups, they are now able to meet essential needs for ECD, including buying uniforms, purchasing porridge flour when donated flour run out, and providing nutritious food products. Beyond supporting children at the HBECD, the increased household income ensures that children continue to receive a balanced diet and proper care even at home.

Penina Musabyimana, the manager of “Kura Ujye Ejuru” ECD located in Cyogamuyaga village, Tunda cell, Kamabuye sector in Bugesera District. Like many parents involved in ECD Project-supported HBECDs, she belongs to a saving group called “Duharanire Isuku”, which has 30 members. Each member saves between Rwf 200 and Rwf 650 per week, and a solidarity contribution of RWF 50.

Thanks to loans accessed through the group, Penina was able to construct a storage room next to her house and renovate her home by cementing the floors, using a Rwf 60,000 loan taken in two phases. Fellow group members also supported her by providing community works to make bricks, demonstrating the strong spirit of solidarity within the group.

Another beneficiary, Gahunga Emmanuel, is a member of the “Twite ku Bibondo” saving group in Tunda village, Tunda cell, Kamabuye sector in Bugesera District. The group was established in 2014, initially saving Rwf 200 per member, and later adopted the improved savings model in collaboration with Caritas Rwanda in 2022 and Plan International Rwanda. Gahunga highlights a system known as “targeted lending,” in his group, which ensures that loans are used strictly for their intended purpose through follow-up and accountability.

This approach has helped him pay secondary school fees for his children, one of whom is now attending university. He recently borrowed Rwf 100,000 and plans to take another loan to further invest in agriculture and livestock farming after completing repayment.

Similarly, Nyirankundiye Josée, also a member of “Twite ku Bibondo,” shares how the savings group transformed her life. She first borrowed Rwf 60,000 to buy goats, enabling her to pay school fees for her children. Later, she accessed Rwf 147,000 to purchase additional goats and chickens, increasing her household assets. Inspired by the results, she launched a banana-juice business, earning about Rwf 40,000 per month, and plans to take another loan to expand her activities.

Beyond individual progress, the SILC groups also pursue collective goals. The “Abadahigwa” saving group in Ngeruka sector (Bugesera District) focuses on improving nutrition, housing, and hygiene. According to its leader, Habineza Emmanuel, the group distributed three chickens to each member during profit-sharing, helping families access eggs to combat child malnutrition. Members also took loans to replace grass bedding with mattresses under the initiative “Duce Nyakatsi mu Buriri,” ensuring all households now sleep in dignity.

For the 2025-2026 saving cycle, the group aims to improve household hygiene by encouraging members to purchase water containers for safe drinking water.

The ECD Project, implemented in Bugesera, Nyaruguru, and Gatsibo districts, currently supports 29 HBECD in Bugesera, with 13 in Kamabuye sector and 16 in Ngeruka sector. In each HBECD, parents are organized into savings and lending groups, ensuring that economic empowerment goes hand in hand with child development.

Through these improved savings groups, families are not only lifting themselves out of poverty but are also creating a healthier, more supportive environment for children to grow and thrive.

Parents in Nyaruguru District, Southern Province of Rwanda, whose children attend Home-Based Early Childhood Development (HBECD) supported by Caritas Rwanda in partnership with Plan International Rwanda, say the support provided has significantly improved the quality of care and learning for young children, making these HBECD a model to follow.

Through this partnership, Caritas Rwanda delivers comprehensive support to HBECD, including the improvement of learning environments, provision of learning materials for children and caregivers, hygiene supplies, and early literacy tools. Caregivers and parents are also trained in childcare, nutrition, hygiene practices, and how to make learning toys using locally available materials.

Beyond training, the HBECD receive fortified porridge flour, cooking and feeding utensils such as saucepans, cups, and plates, water tanks and drinking water filters, mattresses and mats for children, and small incentives for caregivers and parents who look after children on daily basis. These ECDs operate within community homes (HBECDs), where families voluntarily host children, creating a safe and nurturing environment.

Mukahigiro Beatha, a caregiver at Kurujyejuru HBECD in Giheta Cell, Munini Sector, says the training has transformed how children grow and learn. She explains that children now receive balanced diets, including vegetables, which has helped eliminate cases of malnutrition. She also highlights how homemade toys stimulate children’s thinking skills, adding that the HBECD has become a reference point in the community.

Marthe Muhimpundu, another caregiver at Kurujyejuru B, notes that although children may initially struggle to adapt, training has equipped caregivers with skills to help children socialize, play, and feel comfortable. She emphasizes that children who attend HBECD develop better cognitive skills, learn to count up to ten, recognize shapes, and integrate easily into nursery school.

Male involvement has also increased. Ndatsikira Innocent, a trained male caregiver at Inyange ECD in Munini Sector, says the training helped him overcome the belief that childcare is only for women. He now confidently feeds, cleans, and cares for children both at home and at the HBECD, encouraging other men to actively participate in raising children.

For parents like Akimana Angelique, a tailor, HBECD provide peace of mind and economic opportunity. “Knowing my child is safe allows me to focus on my work and increase productivity, something that would be difficult if I stayed home caring for my child”, says Angelique.

Each HBECD also maintains a kitchen garden, developed with support from parents and ECD Project staff. These gardens supply vegetables for children’s meals while enabling parents to learn modern farming techniques they can replicate at home.

According to Ntakirutimana Donatha, the Munini Sector officer in charge of ECD and nutrition, HBECD supported by Caritas Rwanda and Plan International Rwanda stand out due to the professionalism of trained caregivers, adequate equipment, and regular follow-up visits, which ensure that challenges are addressed promptly.

In Nyaruguru District alone, the Caritas Rwanda’s ECD Project supported by Plan International Rwanda oversees 26 HBECD, serving 601 children (290 boys and 311 girls).

The Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda, Fr. Oscar Kagimbura, notes that with increased resources, the project could be expanded nationwide. Currently, Caritas Rwanda implements ECD activities in Nyaruguru, Bugesera, and Gatsibo districts, in collaboration with Plan International Rwanda and the National Child Development Agency (NCDA) through diocesan Caritas structures across the country.

Between 2014 and 2024, Caritas Rwanda supported over 45,000 ECDs, reached nearly 1.8 million children, rehabilitated thousands of malnourished children through improved nutrition, and trained more than 2.5 million caregivers on the six pillars of early childhood development, contributing significantly to child well-being and school readiness nationwide.

 

On December 24, 2025, the Caritas Rwanda’s staff members gathered at Saint Vincent Pallotti Gikondo Centre for a one-day retreat to mark the conclusion of the year 2025. The retreat provided a moment of spiritual renewal, during which participants shared the Word of God and celebrated the Holy Eucharist together.

In his predication entitled “Together with the Virgin Mary and Joseph in front of the Christmas manger, let us contemplate the Savior,” Father Emmanuel Mugiraneza emphasized that while many people celebrate Christmas through festivities and celebrations, they often fail to reflect on the true significance of the birth of Jesus and its impact on their lives. He reminded the participants that through the Incarnation of God, every human being was given dignity and became worthy of honour.

Referring to the Gospel according to Saint Luke (2:1–17), Father Emmanuel explained that Jesus was born during the reign of Emperor Augustus, whose name in Greek implied someone worthy of worship, and who had ordered a census throughout the empire. Jesus’ birth during this time was a powerful sign that there is another King who deserves true praise and recognition.

When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, they found no place to stay, even though the time for Mary to give birth had come. As a result, Jesus was born in an animal shed. This humble beginning illustrates profound humility. Father Emmanuel explained that this humility lies at the heart of Caritas, as Jesus chose to identify with the poorest of the poor, going even lower than those who are usually born in their own homes.

Bethlehem, which means “house of bread,” symbolizes Jesus as the bread of life. He became bread so that he could be shared, so that the poor might have something to eat. Jesus was laid in a manger, a place where animals fed, further symbolizing that he is the bread meant to be consumed for the life of others.

Father Emmanuel noted that in the Christmas scene, the true meaning of Caritas becomes visible: God’s love descending from heaven and becoming human. He posed a challenging question: “How many people today have no place to sleep? Christmas reminds us of all those people who are vulnerable and in need of compassion and care”.

Through the Incarnation celebrated at Christmas, every person is affirmed as valuable and worthy of respect. This message calls for honouring human dignity and refusing to degrade or devalue anyone. Christmas carries a powerful message: every human being has exceptional value.

Father Emmanuel encouraged Caritas staff to reflect on how much value they place on people, whether in their work, in their communities, or within their families. He reminded them that Christmas should reaffirm every person’s dignity, even in moments when people behave poorly or lose self-control. “Even then,” he said, “remember that you are valuable.”

He concluded by emphasizing that true Caritas is not merely a service, but caring for the person whose dignity Jesus Christ has restored. The mission of Caritas is to continue Christ’s mission in the world. Caritas is the voice of Christ, reminding the world that every human life has profound value, and that even among those living in poverty and hardship are people for whom Christ gave His life.

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

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

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

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

Key messages delivered by the 3 partner organizations

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

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

  

Messages from local leaders

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

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

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

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

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