The challenge
Rwanda has fertile soil, usually enough rain and enough available labor to obtain good production from the land. However, the agricultural parcels are small and the farmers and female farmers are often lacking knowledge to obtain sufficient production from the land in a sustainable manner.
Additionally, in 2023, the sisters together with Kerk in Actie and Karongi District, in the nearby sector of Rugabano, started a programme to prevent and reduce growth retardation in children under five.
Response
In order to train these farmers, an agricultural training was set up. For this training the deaconesses made an area available of approximately 8 hectares. Every year about 150 people are selected who will be helped the most by this training. The number of women per group is large. The course contains many elements: besides everything that has to do with agriculture, it also teaches hygiene, AIDS prevention, family planning, budgeting and – extremely important in Rwanda – reconciliation and cooperation.
The participants form self-help groups to share knowledge and to realise small projects.
Kerk in Actie sponsors this training and local teachers provide lessons.
Prevention and reduction of growth retardation in children under 5 in Rugabano
In 2023, the sisters, together with Church In Action and Karongi District, in the nearby sector of Rugabano, started a programme to prevent and reduce growth retardation in children under five. The aim is to help vulnerable families by teaching parents knowledge and skills in farming techniques, health care and preparing good meals with locally available produce.
A positive and gradual change can be observed in children’s health: in 2023, there were 67 severely underdeveloped children and this number dropped to 21 children in 2024, a 31% decrease. One of the causes of growth retardation is poverty, linked to unawareness, lack of fertile land and large family burdens. It has also been noted that diseases and physical deformities are at the origin of chronic malnutrition. Therefore, local authorities and sisters should continue to advocate with partners and sponsors so that children, especially those with physical disabilities, can receive special medical care.
It is also very important that children under the age of five can attend a “pre-school” (Early Christian Development) so that they can start primary school after proper preparation. To attend pre-school, support in the form of school fees, teaching materials and meals is needed.
Project manager
Sister Pauline Muhawenimana
Duration
Long-term