The Tubeho Neza Aheza project, which aims to promote a decent life and equality in a healthy environment in Rwanda, was officially launched on July 5, 2024, by Pascasie Umuhoza, the Vice Mayor of Karongi District responsible for Social Affairs.
This project is funded by Caritas Slovenia and the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will be implemented by Caritas Nyundo/Kibuye in coordination with Caritas Rwanda. The Tubeho Neza Aheza project aims to tackle challenges related to access to natural and financial resources and reduce gender inequality and gender-based violence (GBV), with a focus on women and girls in 1,595 impoverished households from the Rugabano, Gashari, Rwankuba, and Mutuntu sectors.
The event commenced with a brief prayer led by Father Elie Hatangimbabazi, the Director of Caritas Nyundo/Kibuye, who also delivered welcoming remarks. Following the prayer, a presentation was given on the new project. The presentation outlined key activities that will be implemented across six main results, including:
- Enhancing sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices to increase the production of nutrient-rich food for the most vulnerable individuals;
- Raising awareness on environmental protection and providing better access to equipment and materials that promote the sustainable use of natural resources, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
- Efficiently utilizing and monitoring available water resources, improving drinking water supply, sanitation, hygiene and field irrigation;
- Enhancing the capacities and skills of vulnerable individuals and authorities to monitor and utilize natural resources effectively for income-generation;
- Providing vulnerable adults and young people, particularly women and girls, with improved access to financial resources to contribute to the family budget;
- Enhancing knowledge and response to gender-based violence (GBV) and other forms of violence, as well as resolving conflicts through non-violent communication.
After the presentation detailing the project’s goal of empowering vulnerable individuals and communities to achieve self-sufficiency, environmental consciousness, and resilience in the face of challenges, a discussion was opened for further clarification and advice.
During this event, Vice Mayor Pascasie Umuhoza expressed her appreciation for the project’s contribution to improving the lives of beneficiaries through its planned activities. She extended her gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Caritas Slovenia, Caritas Rwanda, and Caritas Nyundo Kibuye for their past contributions, which have significantly enhanced the lives of the people in Karongi District. She also pledged their continued collaboration throughout the implementation of this project.

The event was attended by various key figures including the district Agronomist, representatives from four sectors (Rugabano, Gashari, Mutuntu, and Rwankuba), Parish priests from Birambo, Mubuga, Nyange, Mukungu, and Gisovu Parishes, as well as representatives from the Soeurs Fille de la Charité, including one from Slovenia.
Also in attendance were Father Elie Hatangimbabazi, the Director of Caritas Nyundo Kibuye, the Coordinator of the Development Department of Caritas Nyundo Kibuye, and the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Officer (Caritas Nyundo-Kibuye) and the Tubeho Neza Aheza Project staff members.