Rwanda

Why are we in Rwanda? Since the 1994 genocide, where over a million people were killed in a period of 100 days, Rwanda has made remarkable progress. Generally, peace and stability have been maintained within the country’s borders and there have been noted improvements in economic growth. However chronic malnutrition and poverty still exist in the poorest provinces in Rwanda.

*We are currently responding to the threat of COVID-19 in Rwanda. Find out more about our response here.

Rwanda is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa

Despite the development progress made so far, Rwanda is ranked 165th out of 191 countries in the Human Development Index 2022 and is facing significant challenges. 38.2% of the population are still living in poverty and 16% in extreme poverty. Chronic malnutrition also remains a serious challenge. We are currently implementing the Graduation programme, supporting extremely poor and vulnerable households to sustainably graduate from poverty. 

Latest achievements

Shelters for Homeless Households

We adapted our Graduation programme to help homeless households first obtain land and build houses before starting and completing the programme. So far we have supported 162 families.

Supporting policy change

Emergency response

Graduation program beneficiary, Mukashyaka Alexia and her son during an Income Generating Activity that she started after receiving an asset transfer in Gisagara district. Photo: Rachel Abayisenga / Concern Worldwide
Graduation program beneficiary, Mukashyaka Alexia and her son during an Income Generating Activity that she started after receiving an asset transfer in Gisagara district. Photo: Rachel Abayisenga / Concern Worldwide
Community Development Actor, Ernest Nyamwasa during a coaching activity at the house of Mukangwije Marie and her daughter Niyonizeye Ruth. Photo: Gaspard Uwumukiza / Concern Worldwide.
Community Development Actor, Ernest Nyamwasa during a coaching activity at the house of Mukangwije Marie and her daughter Niyonizeye Ruth. Photo: Gaspard Uwumukiza / Concern Worldwide.
Football team participating in HIV/AIDS awareness campaign in Rwanda
Rwamico team, one of the five local teams that participated at HIV/AIDS prevention awareness campaign. Photo: Rachel Abayisenga
Beneficiary couples during a gender session with Concern trainer Anatolia Niyonambaza in Gisagara district. Photo: Rachel Abayisenga / Concern Worldwide.
Beneficiary couples during a gender session with Concern trainer Anatolia Niyonambaza in Gisagara district. Photo: Rachel Abayisenga / Concern Worldwide.
The typical hilly topography of the Gisgara District in Rwanda. Photo: Síle Sammon / Concern Worldwide.
The typical hilly topography of the Gisgara District in Rwanda. Photo: Síle Sammon / Concern Worldwide.

Newstalk country visit

The Rwandan genocide tore the African nation apart and saw over 800,000 people killed in just 100 days. Newstalk's Shona Murray visited Rwanda with Concern to meet those who lived through it and to see how they're rebuilding their lives. 

How we're helping Rwanda

Our programmes in Rwanda employ innovative techniques and models, such as linking agriculture and nutrition, and applying the graduation model, to help transform the lives of the extreme poor.

Advocacy
Innovation
Graduation programme

Organisations who fund us

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