World Vision U.S. president Rich Stearns, who is retiring at the end of September, reflects on his time leading World Vision and how Jesus proved how priceless all people are to God, which changes everything.
Why World Vision is in Rwanda
Over a decade of political stability continues in Rwanda, where people celebrated a peaceful presidential re-election this year. Rwanda is hosting thousands of refugees from war-torn neighboring countries. A 2016 Global Gender Gap Report ranked Rwanda among the top 10 countries and the number one African country for progress in closing inequality between men and women. While a drought caused food shortages in the eastern part of the country at the beginning of the year, severe rains later left thousands homeless and others injured from collapsing or damaged buildings. Political stability and gender equality are important steps toward strengthening Rwanda, so people can respond well to the needs of their vulnerable neighbors. Together we’re working to give thousands of people access to clean water. As we’re helping to improve the quality of education and address low school completion rates, we’re also making libraries and reading materials available to more kids. Locally supported community savings groups are thriving, giving economic stability to more and more households. Together, we’re making sure that more kids have life-saving nutrition and healthcare services, so they can live flourishing childhoods.
We never give up on people
World Vision child sponsorship looks at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community, and then works with that community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better life for all children. For sponsors, it’s a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need in a life-changing way.
Sponsor a child in Rwanda ❯
Progress in Rwanda
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’re making great progress toward the well-being of children and their families.
Child Protection and Care
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 Lawyers of Hope, a local organization that defends the cause of vulnerable children, we conducted birth registration campaigns so that children would be legally recognized and access their rights.
- We enabled community members to join our savings groups so they could improve their access to financial services and provide income for their children's education and healthcare.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- We worked with partners to expand water sources, equip water committees in water source management, and train community health workers in hygiene and sanitation to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases among children and families.
- Together with our health partners, we worked to prevent malnutrition by training health workers to teach new moms about exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and preparing nutritious meals for toddlers using local ingredients.
Education for Better Lives
Children have opportunities to learn and to develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future, and families and communities support children's education.
- To ensure quality education, primary school teachers were trained in methods for strengthening children's literacy skills.
- We identified vulnerable children who were not in school and assisted these children with school fees. We also helped enroll children with disabilities in special education programs.
Love of God and Neighbors
Children and families are growing spiritually, local churches are strengthened to demonstrate Christ's love in practical ways, and people are living at peace with their neighbors.
- Community health workers were trained on hygiene and nutrition to ensure that children receive quality healthcare. They also equipped church leaders to promote healthy practices among their congregation to improve children's health.
Prayer Requests from Rwanda
World Vision's staff in Rwanda are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
Our ability to care for refugees, especially the children, from neighboring countries who are coming to Rwanda.
Continued peace, stability, and economic transformation for our country.
News from Rwanda
From the Field
Leaving a legacy of clean water in Rwanda
Globally, World Vision has committed to reaching everyone, everywhere we work with clean water by 2030. The first country expected to cross the finish line is Rwanda. World Vision U.S. President Rich Stearns, who will retire at the end of this year, personally committed to the goal, aiming to raise $50 million to reach 1 million Rwandans in 2,000 communities with clean water.
From the Field
In the kitchen: Isombe recipe
Greens and other vegetables grown in rural Rwanda often end up combined with peanut butter in a dish called isombe. Watch a video and then try this isombe recipe with your family!
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