Strengthening Families in Rwanda

From a new source of income to the impact of good education: we’re getting great reports from Rwanda! Read what Egide, Diane, Valens, and Geraldine shared with us here.

Making Money with Water

In late 2025, Egide and Diane joined a self-help group. In less than a year’s time, they are already enjoying benefits from it. Egide borrowed money from the group and used it to buy a… bicycle! He explains: “I wanted to do something that would ensure I earn money every day. With this bike, I fetch water for others. It is hard work, but it provides a stable income. And most importantly: my family no longer goes to bed hungry!” Diane adds: “At first, we worried about what we would eat the next day, but now we can plan ahead!”

In the meantime, Diane has started a vegetable garden!  The combination of Egide’s income and the vegetable garden has strengthened the family significantly. They can now choose where to spend their money, such as on food or household items. The children can attend preschool, where they enjoy the benefits of an early learning environment. Egide: “This gives me peace of mind and encourages me to keep working hard!”

Going to School

The impact of the Turakura project in Rwanda is becoming increasingly visible in Valens’ family. Positive changes are emerging in several aspects of their lives that give the family new strength:

• Valens was asked to pass on to other parents what he learned during the parenting training. He says: “Thanks to the program, we know better how to support our children!”
• Daughter Elisa now attends the new preschool/kindergarten in the neighborhood. Here she learns and plays to her heart’s content!
• Valens and Geraldine are more consciously involved in their daughter’s daily routine. Geraldine says, “Elisa is a cheerful girl. She loves playing and singing at school, and we do our best to support her as much as possible!”
• Thanks to a loan from their self-help group, the family bought an additional piece of land. As a result, their source of income has improved.
• Valens and Geraldine make an active contribution to meetings of the parenting training and on child protection.

It is great to see that the program is already bearing fruit. On behalf of all Turakura kids: thank you for your support!