History of Rwanda

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In 1994, almost a million people were killed in 100 days of violence in Rwanda. However, the genocide did not occur in a vacuum. When the colonial power, Belgium, departed in 1961, it left behind a system of racial classification and favouritism that set one group against the other. The Belgians divided the population into Hutu (80%) and Tutsi (15-18%) with a small number of ethnic Twa people.

Identity cards stated racial background, and Tutsi were excluded from education, the government and many types of employment. From 1959 onwards, Tutsi were attacked and massacred in growing numbers. Many fled to neighbouring countries and some formed a small rebel militia in exile, the Rwandan Patriotic Army.

Extremist groups in the majority Hutu population were trained and armed by the French government of Francois Mitterand during Operation Turquois, from 1990 onwards. France supported Francophone Hutu politicians against the Anglophone Tutsi, fearing it would loose its power in Africa should Rwanda slip out of its sphere of influence.

Read the History of Rwanda

Wanda Bakery – Building a brighter future, one cupcake at a time

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In 2009 several young women at the Rwanda Multi Learning Centre started their own business baking cakes and biscuits, which they sell to the Kigali ex-patriot community. Motivated and determined, they are now making a profit.

Ntarama Walk-In Clinic, Maternity Unit and Hospital Ward – Offering much needed medical care where previously there was none

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Our hospital and health clinic is reaching out to 17,000 people in rural Rwanda, helping prevent women from dying in childbirth and curing many opportunistic infections, which take a massive toll on Rwandan families.

Aspire – Women working together to rebuild their lives

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Half a million women and girls were raped in the genocide, many of whom became pregnant and infected with HIV. Vulnerable and living in dire poverty, they need education and training. Aspire supports 50 such women a year equipping them with the skills, knowledge, confidence and support network to become self-sufficient and empowered.

Rwanda Multi Learning Centre – A chance for genocide orphans to complete their education

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More than 400,000 children were orphaned by the genocide. Many were left to look after each other in child-headed households, sacrificing their own education in order to bring up the younger orphans. Our learning centre gives 120 students a year a chance to learn English and IT, and the possibility to complete their education.

Re-Generation Music Centre – Using music to heal people when words fail

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Based at our Learning Centre, the music centre was founded in 2009 by two dedicated English volunteer musicians. Offering group and individual music lessons, it also has a choir and band. Music can reach and heal people where words fail, and enables young people to learn new skills and discover their musical talents.