Rwanda

Fourteen years after the genocide, Rwanda is enjoying a time of security and stability.

However, the escalating conflict and displacement of more than 250,000 people in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) posed security and humanitarian concerns in some border areas in 2008. The global food crisis led to a 15% increase in the price of imported food commodities.

We worked with people in poor communities to increase their access to food and improve incomes. We also increased our community treatment of malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia.

Education

Working with the Ministry of Education, we developed a training manual for trainers. This should increase community involvement in the management of primary schools.

38,841 children and 493 teachers benefited from our education work. We helped establish parent-teacher committees, providing training and networking opportunities for 761 parents and teachers. This helped them fulfil their roles and responsibilities. 

Integrated health care

54,681 people benefited from our health work, which focused on integrating community-based care with the Ministry of Health’s overall structure. We supported the training of 668 community health workers on managing child illnesses.

Agriculture

We helped 980 households set up small businesses or improve food production. We also trained 560 people in a range of farming techniques. Setting up a seed banking system has helped farmers’ associations establish and manage stock of preserved seeds. 

HIV and AIDS

Our HIV outreach activities supported 7,669 people in remote villages to undergo voluntary HIV testing. We also helped 320 people living with HIV and AIDS improve their income and access to food. We set up 43 anti-AIDS clubs, which use drama and games to raise awareness on HIV prevention, stigma and discrimination.

Emergency response

Following an earthquake in February, we provided 2,061 plastic sheeting and 2,210 blankets to 1,105 households.