Rwanda

ActionAid's first work in Rwanda began in 1994, providing emergency relief to people displaced by war.

Since then, we have been working with former refugees and survivors of the genocide on resettlement and rehabilitation projects. Our work is largely carried out through local community groups, so that change can be appropriate and long-lasting.

Child sponsorship in Rwanda

Sponsor a child in RwandaActionAid child sponsorship works closely with communitites to develop programmes that will make a real long-term difference to children.

Since a feeding programme was introduced in her school, the health of Lacherie Cyimpaye (8, pictured right with a cup of milk) and many of her classmates has measurably improved.

ActionAid sponsorships also paid for a cow in their school and a vegetable garden. These have financial benefits, helping the school to make classroom improvements as well as fighting malnourishment. 

Security and hunger in Rwanda

Rwanda’s recent history is dominated by the 1994 genocide when a million people died and more than two million fled to neighbouring countries. In 1996, many thousands of these refugees began to return home, placing an already-damaged country under even greater stress.

Rwanda is still a very poor country. Farmland is infertile, in short supply and suffers from erratic rainfall. Yet Rwanda has seen remarkable success in the last few years, with poverty reduction matched by strong economic growth. It is a great example of a place where well-spent aid has created long-lasting success.

How you can help

When you sponsor a child in Rwanda, you'll be providing the resources for real, long-term change. You'll get two letters a year from the child you sponsor, and updates from the country programme to tell you how the money you are spending is changing the community your child lives in.