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Rwanda

Working With Children in Rwanda

World Vision began operations in Rwanda in 1994 in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the genocide. In 2000, the mission moved from relief to long-term development and supporting children in Rwanda. Today, we impact the lives of more than one million Rwandans with a focus on the most vulnerable children and women.

Though Rwanda has one of the highest primary school enrollment rates in Africa, completion rates are low and students who do complete school often lack skills needed for successful employment. We train teachers and support learning centres where students can use computers to improve their skills. We provide vocational training and assist the most vulnerable children with scholarships so they can stay in school.

Your impact in Rwanda

Together, we’re making real change in the lives of children, families and communities. Just some of what was achieved with Canadian support in 2016:

Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared-for by their families and participating in their communities as agents of transformation. 

 
  • In partnership with a local organization of lawyers, we conducted birth registration campaigns so children would be legally recognized and could access their rights.
  • 800 children in Rwanda received birth certificates, ensuring their access to basic rights and services like health and schooling
  • 5 child parliaments are empowering young people to advocate for their rights and participate in community decisions
  • 40 people learned how to work with local authorities and influence decisions to improve services and child well-being
     

Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease and have access to essential health services.


  • We trained youth on HIV prevention and partnered with District Health Services to raise awareness of HIV prevention and promote voluntary testing and counseling services.
  • 300 parents and caregivers learned how to provide proper nutrition to their children and protect them from diseases
  • 4 health centres were improved with renovations, medical equipment or supplies to better care for children and families
  • 13 water sources are providing access to safe water and protecting children and families against waterborne diseases
     

Children learn and develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future and families support children's education.

 
  • With local community members, we identified children in Rwanda who weren’t in school or were at risk of dropping out, and helped them with school fees or other obstacles such as accessibility.
  • 5,760 parents and caregivers learned about the importance of education and how to support their child’s learning
  • 30 schools were renovated or furnished with educational materials to provide a better learning environment for students
  • 81 clubs are in place for children and youths to improve their learning through tutoring and extracurricular activities
     

Adults and youth acquire knowledge and skills, and gain access to resources, to help them increase their family income.


  • We provided business training and technology to youth and entrepreneurs to help them increase their production and improve their business ideas and plans.
  • 1407 youths and adults were equipped to earn increased income through apprenticeships, or vocational and business training
  • 1,331 farmers learned techniques to improve crop and livestock production to better provide for their children and families
  • 612 savings groups are helping children and adults save money and access loans to grow businesses or cover basic expenses
     
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