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RWANDA 2025 Quarterly

COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER

World Vision Rwanda - 2025

World Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Published by: World Vision Rwanda

For further publications from World Vision International, please visit: https://www.wvi.org/ publications

Report Coordination:

Communications and Public Engagement Department, World Vision Rwanda

Photo Credits:

All photos © World Vision Comments and inquiries are welcome. Information regarding the use of material in this report for training, research, program design, implementation, or evaluation is appreciated.

4 National Director’s foreword

4 WV Rwanda FY25 Quarterly achievement

4 World Vision Rwanda celebrates 30 years of Impact in Rwanda

4 World Vision Rwanda observes Day of Prayer

4 World Vision signs a Partnership agreement with Gospel Artist,Israel Mbonyi

4 PARTNERSHIPS

4 Strengthening Child Protection through Partnership with Rwanda National Police

4 STORIES OF IMPACT

4 When all Hope was lost, World Vision Shone a Light in Nicole’s Darkest Hour

4 The Son of World Vision: Cultivating Dreams and Tree Tomatoes

4 Celebrating Families helps couple shepherd their children with gentleness

4 News Articles

4 Photo Gallery

National Director's Foreword

As we celebrate another impactful quarter, I am reminded of the incredible journey that has brought us to this moment. This quarter was particularly special as we celebrated 30 years of World Vision’s presence in Rwanda—three decades of ﬁrm commitment to transforming lives and empowering communities.

Reﬂecting on our 30-year journey, I am ﬁlled with gratitude for the partnerships that have made this journey possible. The Government of Rwanda has provided an enabling environment for our work to align with national development goals. Our donors and supporters have fueled our mission with their generosity, while local leaders and faith-based partners continue to strengthen our collective impact. Most importantly, I celebrate our sta , past and present whose dedication, passion, and hard work have been the driving force behind every milestone we have achieved.

We are also excited to welcome renowned gospel artist Israel Mbonyi as the Brand Ambassador for the ENOUGH campaign,

a global initiative dedicated to ending child malnutrition. With his inﬂuence and passion, we take another step forward in ensuring that no child in Rwanda su ers from hunger.

Our commitment to lasting impact is strengthened through strategic government partnerships. Recent engagements with Burera District leadership, Byumba Catholic Diocese, and the Rwanda National Police reinforce our dedication to education, health, nutrition, water access, and child protection. Through these collaborations, we continue to create safe and thriving communities for every child.

As we step into the next quarter, we do so with renewed commitment and purpose. Together, we are making a di erence—one life, one community at a time.

With gratitude,

PAULINE OKUMU National Director, World Vision Rwanda

FY25 QUARTERLY SUMMARY ACHIEVEMENTS

96,089 children were reached by World Vision faith-based approaches, including spiritual nurture of children.

129,885 people and children were reached by World Vision WASH programming.

Over 90,630 children directly beneﬁted through World Vision child protection activities to reduce violence against children.

201,472 children 6-18 participated in WV-supported education programming to improve learning outcomes.

7,169 children (12-18) completed a life skills curriculum (9 months or longer).

63,305 children 6-18 participated in World Vision support education programming to improve learning outcomes.

1,999 children beneﬁted from World Vision nutrition programmes.

Over 190,000 children in households with a parent or caregiver who beneﬁts from World Vision-supported livelihoods programming

9,834 children ( age 0 – 18) beneﬁted from World Vision health programmes.

WORLD VISION RWANDA CELEBRATES

30 YEARS OF IMPACT IN

RWANDA

Over the past three decades, World Vision invested more than USD 625 Million into programs that reached over 8 Million vulnerable children, directly improving their lives through essential services and opportunities for growth. Our focus on Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), Child protection & Education, Health & Nutrition, Resilience & Livelihoods has empowered children, their families, and communities to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future.

Over the years notable achievements were registered including the provision of clean water to over 2.8 million people, thereby enhancing health and reducing waterborne diseases.

Through educational initiatives, numerous children gained access to quality education, equipping them with knowledge and skills for brighter future. Health programs focusing on maternal and child health, nutrition, and disease prevention have contributed to improved health outcomes in

communities. By supporting incomegenerating activities and providing vocational training, World Vision Rwanda empowered families to achieve economic self reliance. Initiatives aimed at safeguarding children from abuse and exploitation ensured safe and nurturing environments for children.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, World Vision Rwanda laid a foundation stone for a modern Health post and Early Childhood Development Center in Burera District, underscoring its ongoing commitment to health and education. Reﬂecting on three decades of impactful work, World Vision Rwanda remains dedicated to its mission of transforming lives and empowering communities throughout the country.

Read more about World Vision Rwanda’s impact over the past 30 years: https://www.wvi.org/publications/report/c elebrating-30-years-transforming-lives-r wanda

World Vision sta , partners and donors participating in the 30 years anniversary celebration

WORLD VISION’S JOURNEY IN RWANDA

FIRST DECADE (1994 - 2004): EMERGENCY RESPONSE & REHABILITATION

1.1M c hildren impacted

t hrough Emergenc y Relief, Peace

B uilding , Hea lt h a nd WA SH , Economic Development a nd Child Sponsorship.

THIRD DECADE (2014 - 2024): INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT & RESILIENCE

4.73M c hildrenimpacted through Peace Building, Emergency Response, Resilience and Livelihoods, Child Protection and Education, Health and Nutrition, WASH and Child Sponsorship.

Cross cutting themes: Advocacy, Faith and Development, GESI and Climate change and adaptation.

THE SECOND DECADE (2004-2014):

TRANSITION TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

2.5M c hildrenimpacted

t hrough Peace B uilding , Emergenc y Response , Resilience a nd Livelihoods , Child Protec tion & Education, Health and Nutrition, WA SH and Child Sponsorship.

TOTAL INVESTMENT FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS - $ 625M

World Vision Rwanda observes Day of Prayer

World Vision sta members gather annually to reﬂect upon and celebrate the achievements of the past year. The gathering provide an opportunity for sta to assess their impact, share experiences, and strengthen their commitment to serving vulnerable communities. In October, World Vision Rwanda sta gathered for the Day of Prayer to reﬂect on the year’s achievements and renew their commitment to serving vulnerable communities.

World Vision signs a Partnership agreement with Gospel Artist, Israel Mbonyi

World Vision Rwanda signed a three-year partnership agreement with Israel Mbonyi as the ENOUGH Campaign Brand Ambassador to e ectively collaborate on the ENOUGH campaign, which aims to end malnutrition and reduce the prevalence of stunting in Rwanda. This collaboration seeks to harness the inﬂuence and reach of Israel Mbonyi to amplify the campaign's messages, engage the public, and foster widespread awareness and action against malnutrition. By engaging a prominent ﬁgure in the Rwandan gospel music scene, World Vision Rwanda aims to leverage Israel Mbonyi's platform to attract and mobilize a larger audience, thereby enhancing the campaign's impact and outreach.

In his remarks, Israel Mbonyi, the ENOUGH Campaign Brand Ambassador, shared how partnering with World Vision Rwanda empowers him to serve the body of Christ. He pledged to use his voice, talent, and network to amplify the campaign’s impact and drive it. He recognized the critical importance of addressing malnutrition and stunting, which are signiﬁcant barriers to children's growth and development.

CAMPAIGN GOALS

Strategic Goal 1

Children are visible and heard in hunger, nutrition & food security related policies at all levels;

Expected outcomes

Strategic Goal 2

More children enjoy better food security, nutrition and resilience, through prioritized services.

By the end of three years, the campaign will aim to achieve the following Results:

Improved visibility & understanding of the size, dynamics & speciﬁcs of child hunger & nutrition at all levels.

More children consume enough nutritious food provided ethically, sustainably & as locally as possible.

More teenage girls remain in school with reduced risk of teenage pregnancy, weakening the cycle of intergenerational child hunger & malnutrition; Children & families increase access to quality comprehensive preventive and curative nutrition services, including to address wasting; Nutrition education for Adolescents and screening for anaemia.

Israel Mbonyi the ENOUGH Campaign Ambassador signing a partnership agreement with World Vision Rwanda

PARTNERSHIPS

Strengthening Child Protection through Partnership with Rwanda National Police

World Vision Rwanda remains committed to working alongside the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to enhance child protection e orts and ensure the safety and well-being of children. This quarter, World Vision Rwanda had the privilege of meeting with the Inspector General of Police, to discuss ways to strengthen the organisation's ongoing partnership in addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Child Protection.

Over the years, our collaboration with the RNP has yielded signiﬁcant achievements. Together, we established a dedicated GBV and Child Protection helpline, providing survivors with immediate support and access to essential services. Additionally, we developed an incident reporting and response management system, enabling a more coordinated approach to assisting victims of abuse. These initiatives have been instrumental in ensuring that children and vulnerable individuals receive timely intervention and protection.

World Vision Rwanda sta paid a courtesy visit to the Rwanda National Police Inspector General.

World Vision Rwanda National Director receiving an award from the Rwanda National Police Inspector General.

STORIES OF IMPACT

When all Hope was lost, World Vision Shone a Light

in Nicole’s Darkest Hour

On a calm Monday morning, we set out for an interview with Nicole, eager to hear her story. A last-minute change of plans led us to a di erent house, as she asked us to meet her there instead of her own home. When we arrived, her sleek and shiny black RAV4 was parked outside the gate. Nicole greeted us warmly, her excitement clear, and introduced the woman hosting her, a professional writer helping her assemble a book about her journey with World Vision. It was a striking coincidence; we had come to hear Nicole’s story with World Vision, and here she was, sharing it through her book.

When Nicole opened the gate to welcome us, her warm smile belied the depths of sorrow and resilience that had shaped her life. Today, she is a thriving businesswoman, the proud mother of an adorable little girl, and an inspiration to many. But her story begins in unimaginable darkness! A child orphaned by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, left to care for her ﬁve younger siblings in a crumbling house shared with animals.

“We had nothing but each other,” Nicole recalls. “I became a parent at a very young age, with no guidance, no resources, and no idea how to survive.” Among her siblings was a premature baby weighing just over a kilogram. Nicole would scour the neighborhood for odd jobs-washing dishes, doing laundry, cleaning homes-anything to provide a meal for her family. Nights were harrowing; the rain ﬂooded their home, forcing her to place the children on a rickety table to avoid the rising water.

But when hope seemed out of reach, a chance encounter with World Vision changed everything.

Nicole first learned about World Vision through a local leader who visited her home. Their first gift was life-changing; a goat. “That goat brought us so much joy,” she said. “It was the first time we owned anything, and it gave us hope.” Although the goat was later sold to support her family, it symbolized the beginning of a brighter chapter.

World Vision’s support quickly grew. Nicole and her siblings were invited to participate in programs for orphans, where they received food, education, and emotional support. “When I walked into the World Vision o ce carrying my malnourished sibling on my back, I felt seen for the ﬁrst time,” she shares. “I realized we were not alone in our struggle.”

World Vision arranged for Nicole to attend a vocational school, where she learned vehicle repair. Despite the challenges of balancing school and caregiving, World Vision stood by her, providing stipends for transport to school. “They didn’t just give up on me,” Nicole says.

When Nicole’s malnourished sibling’s health became critical, World Vision partnered with an organization to provide lifesaving care for him. This intervention freed Nicole to focus on her studies. Soon after, World Vision sponsors funded the construction of a new home for her family, a gesture that left her in tears.

“When I was preparing for my wedding, I wanted World Vision listed on my wedding invitation as my parent because they were the only family I had known. I was very serious about this decision. That is how much World Vision means to me. It took a lot of e ort for people to talk me out of this decision I had made,” Nicole says, her voice ﬁlled with emotion.

A Legacy of Transformation

Today, Nicole’s life is unrecognizable from her early struggles. She owns an agricultural business, drives her car, has a house of her own, and has built a stable life for her two-year-old daughter Ineza. Her siblings are thriving too—some are university graduates, while others have pursued skilled trades.

“I used to wash dishes to survive,” Nicole reﬂects. “Now, I am ﬁnancially comfortable and even able to help others. My life has been completely transformed because of World Vision and its sponsors.”

Nicole is also writing a book to share her story and inspire others. She dreams of empowering more vulnerable children, just as she was empowered.

“Extend Your Compassion”

As she looks back on her journey, Nicole o ers a heartfelt plea: “There are many children still su ering like I once did. I encourage World Vision and other organizations/institutions to continue extending its compassion because it changes lives—just like it changed mine.”

The Son of World Vision: Cultivating Dreams and Tree Tomatoes

When Emmanuel ﬁrst started his farming journey, his life was marked by struggle and uncertainty. Living in Bugesera District, he relied solely on subsistence farming to feed his family, with little to no knowledge of how to improve his yield or protect the environment. His ﬁelds were eroding, and his crops were failing to meet his family’s needs. The challenges were overwhelming, and farming felt like a never-ending battle against the land.

“At that time, I didn’t know how to farm sustainably or make my farm more productive. I was just surviving, not thriving,” Emmanuel reﬂects.

In 2015, Emmanuel’s situation began to change when he partnered with World Vision. The organization introduced him to training in environmental protection, reforestation, and sustainable farming practices. His land, once struggling with wind erosion and soil depletion, started to show signs of hope.

“They changed my entire way of thinking about farming. I had never imagined the potential of farming for the market or the impact I could encounter by adopting sustainable practices. World Vision helped me create that vision and gave me the tools to bring it to life. They taught us the skills to regenerate our ﬁelds and turn our arid lands into fertile soil again,” he says.

Armed with new knowledge, Emmanuel began to implement sustainable farming practices on his land. He became one of the ﬁrst extension agents in his area, helping other farmers adopt techniques to combat soil degradation and increase crop yields. Through his tree nursery, which grew fruit trees like papayas, oranges, and tree

tomatoes, Emmanuel not only provided his family with food but also began earning an income.

“I never imagined I’d be able to send my children to school and take care of their future. But today, I can confidently say that I’ve educated my children, a chance at a better life,” Emmanuel says, proudly reflecting on how his financial situation has improved.

As his farm expanded, Emmanuel shifted from growing only for subsistence to cultivating crops for the market. His tree tomato farm, which started with just 500 seeds on a 30x50m plot, quickly grew.

“Despite initial skepticism from my neighbors, I started supplying Kigali’s markets with tree tomatoes, and soon, I was selling more than I ever thought possible,” Emmanuel shares.

His yields increased, and within a few years, he moved his family from the ﬁrst to the third Poverty Category ranking(Ubudhehe). His children now have school uniforms, books, and the resources they need for their education. Emmanuel also pays for health insurance in advance, securing his family’s future.

Emmanuel’s success has impacted not only his family but also his entire community. Known as the “Tree Tomato Guy” or the “Son of World Vision,” he has distributed over 350,000 tree tomato seedlings to farmers across Bugesera and beyond. His e orts have played a critical role in reducing malnutrition in the area. He said that the impact of tree tomatoes on his community has been incredible, as they no longer rely on produce from faraway regions.

With World Vision’s support, Emmanuel purchased a three-hectare farm and installed solar-powered irrigation systems on four hectares. This technology has allowed him and other farmers to grow crops year-round, even during the dry season. Emmanuel’s story has caught the attention of local leaders, parliament members, and other high-ranking o cials who visited his farm. He now shares his experiences widely proving that Bugesera’s lands can yield abundant harvests with the right knowledge and tools.

“World Vision gave me the tools to transform my life, my family’s future, and my community,” Emmanuel says, reﬂecting on the profound impact the organization has had on his life.

Through World Vision’s partnership, he has not only improved his own life but has uplifted his community, showing them that hope, sustainability, and prosperity are within reach.

“Without World Vision’s support along with it’s partners and the government of Rwanda, our children would still be su ering from malnutrition. Our lands wouldn’t be as green, and trees would be scarce. But now, we have a bright future ahead,” Emmanuel says, his voice ﬁlled with hope for what the future holds.

Since partnering with World Vision in 2015, Emmanuel now prioritizes sustainable farming and environmental protection, cultivating indigenous species like Grevillea and Umusave (Markhamia lutea), and shifting from subsistence farming to a market-driven approach. This change has brought ﬁnancial independence to his family but has also empowered fellow farmers in his community. Today, thanks to this partnership, his community has abundant ﬁrewood, poles for crops, and livestock fodder, enabling them to produce more milk and other resources. Above all, they now have hope for a brighter future, one where the land is restored, and the next generation can thrive.

Celebrating Families helps couple shepherd their children with gentleness

As a Christian, Jean Marie Vianney thought he knew the meaning of the biblical references to the “rod and sta .” For more than 50 years, it was obvious to him—if a child does something wrong, correct them with physical force, no questions asked.

The bitterly harsh punishment he endured as a boy was common where he grew up in rural western Rwanda but had a profound impact. Carrying his father’s and grandfather’s disciplinarian habits into his own family, the 52-year-old father of six assumed “the rod” was for hitting.

“Growing up that way, I thought that’s how children should be punished,” he says. “That’s how I punished my children.”

Jean Marie and his wife, Goreth, are among 23,000 Rwandans and 638,000 parents and caregivers overall in 33 countries who participated in Celebrating Families in 2023

as part of World Vision’s Let the Children Come Christian discipleship program. Celebrating Families equips parents, pastors, and community leaders with parenting training that fosters safe and loving family environments rooted in biblical concepts and Christian values.

Like the others in their cohort, Goreth and Jean Marie attended a three-day workshop. Then they met monthly with other couples to put their learning into practice. This provided a natural form of accountability. The experience sparked a transformation in the couple, which in turn has profoundly a ected their family and community around them.

"When parents have a good relationship, you deﬁnitely see it among the children,” says 56-year-old Zebedee Bahivi, the pastor who trained them. “Personally, I’m happy to see the change in families.”

In the Celebrating Families workshop, Goreth, Jean Marie, and their classmates

Learning to “use the staff to guide not beation”

explored their past and discovered why they might have certain long-held beliefs about marriage, relationships, parenting, etc. They consulted Scripture to understand how God intended them to live in light of the gospel. The trainers showed them how they can love themselves and their spouses. They also called on each of them to own their past, repent of how they have treated others, and commit to change, for the sake of their children, family, and broader community.

Through this process, Goreth and Jean Marie realised the Bible actually portrays the rod and sta as a symbol of God’s strength, protection, guidance, and love, rather than as an instrument of physical punishment. The shepherd can use the sta to forcefully fend o attacking wolves. But, on his sheep, he uses it to gently guide and direct them, and even rescue them when they have gone astray.

“That's when I realised that, actually, you don't have to beat a child until the child cannot even eat food, cannot even sleep, cannot even cry,” Jean Marie says, harkening to his childhood. “You can talk to a child. You can use the ‘rod’ to talk to the child in the right way. And then the child can listen to you, can understand.”

Pastor Zebedee, a longtime World Vision partner and Celebrating Families master trainer, remembers watching Goreth and Jean Marie’s transformation. The workshop changed their minds. The six months of small-group accountability solidiﬁed their heart change. And accountability in love makes it sustainable, he says.

“It also helps them to open up, be conﬁdent, and talk about the real issues,” Pastor Zebedee says, noting that World Vision and church leaders coordinate volunteers who visit participants weekly to catch up, coach, and monitor progress. “The follow-up is what really brings the change to families.”

Celebrating Families enabled the couple to ask questions and work out personal and relational hang-ups. They learned to dialogue with their children based on biblical teachings, to sit and talk through issues, and to discipline gently with words. They now believe the right way to discipline their children is through dialogue, says Goreth, who had similar childhood experiences to her husband and fully approved of the harsh physical discipline of their children.

“We realised we were doing something wrong,” she says. “Now I tell others they need to change when I see it happen [in other families]”

The family’s change of mind, heart, and actions is so clear that only one year later, they already are sharing their experience with neighbors and friends, including referring some troubled families, to enroll in Celebrating Families. As a pastor, counselor, mentor, and trainer, Zebedee is immersed in the struggles and triumphs of Christians and non-Christians throughout his community. Time and again, he has seen God’s power move in and through families that participate in World Vision programs.

"Celebrating Families came to bond the family. There is accountability within the groups and within the church,” he says. “It helps us live our calling, as Jesus said to go out and preach the Word of God.”

Twelve-year-old Gloria, Goreth and Jean Marie’s third child attests to her parents’ transformation. Recently, while Jean Marie was away, Gloria accidentally caused her father’s priced framed certiﬁcate to fall o their living room hutch. The glass broke and

Today, Jean Marie says he is most grateful for his and Goreth’s improved connection with their children. While the change is still relatively fresh for the family, they are already creating habits to make it stick. In mid-2024, they established regular family meetings. This fosters closer relationships between parents and children and among the siblings. It also provides a forum for kids and parents alike to air grievances and resolve tensions or discipline issues through conversation, confession, forgiveness, and goal setting. Gloria even acts as family secretary, recording the meeting minutes and documenting which family members committed to work on a certain issue they admitted to. As their family uniﬁes and strengthens, they want to spread love to those around them.

made a mess. In a panic, Gloria ﬂed to a neighbor’s house, fearing an angry response from her father. Her mother convinced her to come home, and to her surprise, when Jean Marie returned, he greeted her with gentleness and self-control, forgiving her.

“In our family, we enjoy God's love because we see it in our parents and they love each other,” Gloria says, with her siblings’ agreement. “They also talk to us and tell us that God is the one who blessed us and that he loves us very much and that they want us to grow up in God's love.”

Transformed, equipped, and united

Goreth and Jean Marie are realistic about people's struggles in life. Relationships are hard. Parenting can be challenging. But they also are conﬁdent they have what they need to grow and thrive as a family.

“As people who live together, issues will always be there,” says Jean Marie. “But the di erence is that … now we know how to manage the issues better. Violence is like a bush on ﬁre. A stable family brings happiness.”

It’s important more families do this because we saw the di erence in our family,” Goreth says. “It’s important for us to share the knowledge with other families.”

These days, Goreth and Jean Marie’s family is more united. Gloria and her siblings can think about the future because their parents encourage them to study, and they also provide the clothes and school supplies the children need to succeed.

“They tell us that if we study well, we will become great people,” Gloria says.

Celebrating Families helps parents provide a safer, more nurturing home life for their children. It also fosters unity among partner pastors and churches and enables them to stay on mission and reach people outside the church, Pastor Zebedee says.

"The church starts with the family. If there is conﬂict in families, there will be conﬂict within the church," he says. "When there is unity in the families, then there is unity in the church. When there is unity in the church, there is unity in the community.”

Story and Photos by: Chris Huber, Sr. Impact Communications Specialist, World Vision US International Programs Group.

News Articles

FEATURED: World Vision lays foundation stone for Health Centre, ECD as part of 30th Anniversary pre-events - The New Times

FEATURED: World Vision partners with Karongi District to tackle malnutrition - The New Times

Burera: World Vision Rwanda igiye kuramira abaturage bakoraga ibilometero birenga 10 bashaka ivuriro n’ishuri | IGIHE

Photo Gallery

Over 30 refugee students supported by DAFI Scholarship programme celebrate their graduation

World Vision Rwanda leadership pays a courtesy visit to Rwanda Governance Board CEO Dr. Doris Uwicyeza

Foundation stone laying of ECD center and Health post.

World Vision Rwanda sta celebrate a friendly football match with Caritas Rwanda

Feeding children during the launch of Professional Umuganda in Karongi district.

World Vision's Uburezi Iwacu Community library in Huye District

World Vision Rwanda ENOUGH Campaign Brand Ambassador Israel Mbonyi feeding Children in Nyamasheke District

World Vision Rwanda and Ngororero District sign a grant for the community Adaptation on Climate Change e ects (CACCE) Project

VISION

Our vision for every child, life in all its fullness. Our prayer for every heart, the will to make it so.

MISSION

Our mission is to follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in working with the poor and oppressed, to promote human transformation, seek justice, and bear witness to the good news of the Kingdom of God.

World Vision Rwanda Newsletter 2025