Rwanda suffered a genocide in 1994, with nearly one million people losing their lives in 100 days. 

Local communities live with that legacy to this day. 

The church in Rwanda is attempting to reach out to local communities, to offer hope for the future and to help heal the wounds of the past. 

Linked with our work to build for the future in Bangor, we aim to provide at least £25,000 to support two programmes in the Anglican diocese of Kibungo, on the eastern border of Rwanda.

One of the challenges in Kibungo is that thousands of Rwandans, who had fled the genocide, were expelled from Tanzania in 2006, having to leave behind all that they possessed. 

They now live in camps across Kibungo, trying to rebuild their lives.  £10,000 will allow the building of five houses for resettled returnees in Rukira sector, and will create a fund to support small enterprise schemes that will allow families to earn income themselves.

A vocational trainee at tailoring class

A house for returning refugees as built by a CMSI short term team in 2008

A further £15,000 will fund the building and running of a vocational training centre.  The centre will focus on street boys and other poor young people, in order to give them hope for the future by creating job opportunities for young Rwandans.

The 100 students will learn business skills, organisational skills and practical manufacturing skills, including how to use and care for their tools properly.  This will enable them to earn a living and build their lives for the future. 

Through CMS Ireland, our donation will allow us to fund these vital projects in a poor and traumatised part of the world, making a real difference to the lives of people who have suffered loss of homes, livelihoods and, often, hope for the future.