childsponsorship

Rwanda

Compassion began partnering with churches in 1979.

	452 church partners

	More than 100,326 children registered

	Over 1,507 mums and their babies supported

About Rwanda

Muraho (Hello in Kinyarwanda)

Despite its small size, Rwanda is one of the most densely populated African nations. Known as the ‘land of a thousand hills’, the country’s breathtaking mountainous terrain is also home to the endangered mountain gorilla. Rwanda’s environmental conservation efforts are robust and include a plastic-bag ban in place since 2008. More than two decades after a devastating genocide, Rwanda is making progress in the fight against poverty. But millions still struggle to meet their daily needs—and the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the global food crisis threatens many more. For children in need, access to the basics of life—education, shelter, medical assistance, good nutrition and safe water—is difficult. It is these children that local churches are focused on as they serve their communities and live out the love of Jesus.

Watch the latest video update to learn more about Compassion's work in Rwanda.

HOW YOU CAN PRAY

Thank you for praying for staff, children and families in Rwanda

+ Pray for stability for Rwanda's economy.

+ Pray for protection over the health and safety of the Rwandan children and families we serve.

+ Pray that God would continue to strengthen the local church as they serve their communities in Rwanda.

+ Pray for wisdom for local and national Rwandan leaders as they make decisions and care for the vulnerable.

+ Pray for God's protection amid diplomatic turmoil between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A snapshot of Compassion's Child Sponsorship Program in Rwanda

Compassion’s program is contextualised across countries and communities, as well as age groups.

Children aged 1 to 3 receive home-based care.
Children aged 3 to 5 visit the Compassion centre for eight hours on Saturdays.
Children aged 6 to 11 attend the centre for four to six hours a week.
Students aged 12 and older attend for four hours a week. Centres are open for extended weekend hours during school holidays.

Compassion Program Activities in Rwanda

Compassion assisted children in Rwanda typically attend program activities at their local child development centre on Saturdays. Here is an example of what a typical program day looks like for children in Rwanda.

9:00am - A time of prayer and devotion. Children are given porridge in the morning for breakfast before starting the first lesson.

10:30am - Break time when children can play in a safe environment and develop friendships.

11:00am - Social-emotional lessons ranging from conflict resolution to developing healthy self-esteem and a godly character. Children often come from challenging home environments and are taught social and personal skills.

12:00pm - Lunch and social time. The children receive a full meal for lunch which usually consists of rice, posho (a common East African dish made with cornmeal) or Irish potatoes with beans and green vegetables.

1:00pm - Health lessons, in which children learn practical health and hygiene tips. Example topics include how to prevent malaria and HIV transmission.

2:00pm - Letter writing and career planning. Older children work with local staff to identify their strengths and interests and set goals for their future.

In addition to Compassion’s curriculum, children in Rwanda are also introduced to Rwandan national values such as self-identity, loving their country, unity, reconciliation and striving toward self-reliance. Many centres teach Rwandan cultural dance as a way of maintaining and owning Rwandan culture.

Older students receive vocational skills training in areas like computer training, carpentry, motor vehicle repair, dressmaking, cooking and hairdressing.