Genocide in 1994 has left Rwanda with a legacy of lingering mistrust and division among neighbours and ethnic groups – and a desperate lack of resources. 60% of Rwandans currently live below the national poverty line, 40% in extreme poverty. Rwanda has made progress over the past few years, including the free and fair local elections of 2002, the publication of Vision 2020 setting a long-term agenda for Rwanda’s development, and an internationally endorsed Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) designed to deliver this agenda.
Oxfam in Rwanda
Oxfam aims to build peace and overcome poverty at the same time – our experience shows that the two go hand-in-hand. Oxfam Ireland Livelihoods Support Programme in Rwanda supports 19 partner organisations to increase access to food and income; improve education; reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS on people infected and affected by the pandemic; and to increase people’s participation in their own governance.
Peacebuilding and National Reconciliation
Oxfam Ireland in partnership with Oxfam Great Britain, has supported Peacebuilding and National Reconciliation work in Rwanda since 2002. Oxfam works at grass roots level with individual communities training key representatives in conflict management skills. The community’s Njyanama (a council of all adult community members) is then offered a poverty reduction grant. Through the process of discussing how best to use this for the benefit of the community, issues arise, conflicts are dealt with and the community learns and ‘practices’ how to work better together for the common good.
Useful link: Genocide Questions and Answers
Chibalo village leader
€26/£21 can provide Bees from Oxfam Unwrapped. In Rwanda, bee-keeping gives poor people the opportunity to generate an income, as they can sell their honey at market. Oxfam Ireland supports bee-keeping projects in Rwanda with a particular focus on helping women and those living with HIV and AIDS.
