Our Partners In Rwanda
US Together’s long-term commitment in Rwanda started in 2018. Since then, we have hosted three delegations with Rwandan professionals in Ohio and organized two Global Perspective trips to Rwanda. Our ongoing efforts include developing economic opportunities for low-income Rwandan residents. These experiences have built connections between US Together and four East African partner organizations whose work we want to highlight today: MOUCECORE, Barakabaho Foundation, CECYDAR, and Duterimbere. Together, we are working to support more people in need and strengthen our communities.
MOUCECORE
The Christian Movement for Evangelization, Counseling, and Rehabilitation (MOUCECORE) works in community development through holistic evangelism, sustainable peace, HIV/AIDS prevention, and child development after the Rwandan Genocide. Through a variety of programs, MOUCECORE seeks to rebuild relationships in communities within Rwandan society. MOUCECORE programs include counseling, drug eradication, education, and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene program). Rwanda’s economy is largely based on agriculture and MOUCECORE addresses this in their environmental protection and agriculture programs.
Bishop Alexis Bilindabagabo, CEO of MOUCECORE, is also the author of “Goliyati Araguye” (translated as “Goliath has fallen”) - a book that explores ways to tackle drug abuse in Rwanda.
Barakabaho Foundation
Working in 12 districts, Barakabaho Foundation assists with socio-economic reintegration of vulnerable people, specifically genocide orphans and widows. They focus on economic development, healthcare, and education, while advocating for survivors in legislation. Through their education program, youth receive vocational training in either mechanics or hotel catering. Children enroll in classes at Morning Star Primary School and more than 3,000 orphans have completed secondary school. Barakabaho’s economic development program generates income through agriculture and livestock husbandry. Youth and widows have access to trauma counseling under the healthcare program. The program also focuses on HIV/AIDS testing and preventing drug abuse.
CECYDAR
Mr. Joseph Bitega, former Executive Director of CECYDAR during a 2018 exchange program in Columbus, OH
Centre Cyprien et Daphrose Rugamba or CECYDAR was founded in 1992 by the married couple Cyprien Rugamba and Daphrose Mukasanga. Being deeply moved from the conditions of children and youth living on the street, the couple opened a center to accommodate and help them step into a new life. Sadly, the couple were killed, with six of their ten children, on 7 April 1994 - one day after the assassination of the president, which marked the start of the Rwandan genocide.
After the genocide, CECYDAR has been managed by Fidesco - a Catholic non-governmental organization who recruits volunteers to serve for development projects around the world. When enrolled at CECYDAR, the children attend a remedial school, individual and group therapies, and reintegrate through games and sports. Meanwhile, CECYDAR traces back the child’s family and when in contact, the parents can enroll in parent sessions. This program has four target areas:
· Consciousness and responsibility spirit
· Healing and resilience building
· Family and parenting skills
· Problem solving skills and capacity building
Parents also receive therapy, share experiences, and visit their children. After 3-6 months, the child is ready to be reintegrated into the family and go back to school. Once graduating from the program, families are visited regularly and CECYDAR visits the child’s school at least twice a year. CECYDAR also has livestock and grows a garden which provides fresh food for their beneficiaries and some income for the agency – their farm shop sells vegetables, eggs, and milk to the public.
Participants building a house for CECYDAR’s beneficiary in Rwanda during our 2020 Global Perspective trip to Rwanda
Duterimbere
Ms. Dativa Mukeshimana (left), Dutermbere Executive Secretary, and Ms. Liberata Gahongayire, Duterimbere Board Chair during their 2018 exchange program in Ohio
Across 5 provinces in Rwanda, Duterimbere is a national organization that works to empower women and eradicate poverty. The organization was founded in 1987 by 29 women and today it has 880 members across the country. Duterimbere specifically works with poor and vulnerable women, youth, and people with HIV/AIDS. Their main focus is women’s entrepreneurship which helps women in socioeconomic, cultural, and economic areas based on local needs and environmental context through pragmatic solutions and advocacy for policy improvement. Duterimbere provides workshops and different jobs trainings, as well as small business development mentorship.
An interesting fact about Duterimbere is that their valuable work and community impact is featured in the book “The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World” by Jacqueline Novogratz.