The threat of another volcanic eruption of Mount Nyiragongo, one of the world’s most active and dangerous volcanoes, is forcing tens of thousands of people to flee from Goma in the eastern DRC. Learn what World Vision is doing to help people affected by the volcano.
Why World Vision is in Rwanda
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, sponsors may experience delays in communication from their sponsored child. We are actively working to keep you updated as the situation changes.
Like many other nations in 2020, Rwanda was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in every aspect of life: People lost their incomes, healthcare infrastructure was overwhelmed, and students faced challenges trying to learn at home when schools closed. Since many Rwandans rely on agriculture or informal labor to provide for their families, staying inside during the pandemic increased their economic vulnerability. Schools had to use radio or TV programs to reach students at home. The Rwandan government diverted funds from other important development activities to address the health crisis, and the economy is slowly recovering.
Thanks to donors and partners, World Vision came alongside the Rwandan government to help build handwashing facilities in public places like hospitals, schools, churches, and markets. Families who had lost their incomes and couldn’t afford food received packages of fortified meal staples to help keep them afloat; over 60,000 vulnerable people, including young children and pregnant women, benefited from this extra food. Families’ livelihoods are being boosted and kids’ education is being supported as the country reopens.
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.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- Community members learned about good hygiene, including how to wash their hands with soap and set up handwashing stations at home, helping to protect children and their families from disease.
- More people now have access to clean water less than 30 minutes from home, helping to prevent waterborne diseases and freeing community members, especially women and girls, from time spent gathering water.
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.
- Parents and caregivers were trained to support World Vision's literacy program, teaching them fun ways to help children learn to read at home.
- Women and men are active members of a local savings group, empowering them to save money, access loans, helping them provide for their children, now and in the future.
- Children aged 3 to 6 were given the opportunity to attend preschool, helping to lay the foundation for them to succeed at school.
Prayer Requests from Rwanda
World Vision's staff in Rwanda are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
For God to sustain vulnerable families in these challenging times, and for families to regain their livelihoods in the aftermath of the pandemic.
For the safety of children and teenagers, as child abuse cases have been on the rise during the pandemic.
News from Rwanda
Special Features
Called by God: The Every Last One campaign
In late 2015, World Vision launched Every Last One (ELO) — a $1 billion capital campaign over eight years to make life, hope, and a future possible for 60 million people. Explore the work that has already been done, and help us make an even bigger impact faster.
From the Field
Rwandan woman advocates for children’s education
Dativa never got to complete her education, but she made sure her own kids finished school. She also is raising a girl from the community to give her a chance at an education too.
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