Rwanda

Rwanda is a lush and forward thinking country nestled in the heart of Africa. It's character, however, is forever shaped by the 1994 ethnic genocide that devastated the nation, shamed the international community, and left over a million people dead. 20 years later, communities are still working hard to continue bringing reconciliation and restore prosperity.

In 1995 FH Rwanda began its operations by offering relief and social services to the millions of Rwandans returning home after fleeing the genocide, many of whom were children now separated from their families or left orphaned. In 1999, FH Rwanda transitioned from a relief organization to one focused on sustainable community development, and their work in Rwanda naturally followed suit to begin incorporating more broad programming.

The communities of Ntwali and Busekera partnered with FH in 2004 and 2011 respectively.

Their primary goals included increasing food security through agricultural training, promoting gender equality, eliminating violence, and creating safe learning and play environments for kids. Farmers are learning optimal crop rotation, planting techniques, composting, and harvest management, leading to greater and more consistent yields. Child Sponsorship is impacting children and parents alike. Not only are the kids in these communities enabled to attend school, FH staff are personally visiting parents to encourage them to understand the power of a good education, provide parenting counseling, and promote women's and children's rights. School attendance has increased year after year, especially for girls. Several families have participated in the dairy cow program, were given cows, and have since given the firstborn calves to neighbours. In fact, one group of parents rallied together to buy pigs for a family who could not afford their own. Various livelihood cooperatives have been especially effective in Rwanda - pineapple farming in Ntwali and sewing co-ops in Busekera have provided income, security, solidarity and hope to hundreds of community members.

Ntwali joyfully celebrated their graduation from FH programming in 2014, while Busekera plans to graduate in 2021.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN RWANDA