Welcome to Rwanda, “the land of a thousand hills”. The tiny, densely populated east African nation is known for its lush landscapes and expansive lakes. After experiencing the devastation of 1994’s genocide against the Tutsi, other nations look to Rwanda today as an example of peace, forgiveness, and progress.
Thankfully, poverty is declining in Rwanda, but millions of people still struggle to survive. With almost half of the country under 18 years of age, it is critical to help Rwandan children to break their cycle of poverty.
Our partner Compassion has worked with local church partners in Rwanda to serve children since 1979. Today, we partner with 452 local churches to support 115,400 children attending Compassion’s projects.
Children in Rwanda typically attend programme activities at their local child development centre on Saturdays. Follow along to see what a *typical day looks like for kiddos!
9:00am
The children begin arriving. Most live nearby and walk to the child development centre at the local church—Compassion’s partner.
Meanwhile, staff and volunteers prepare breakfast for the kids before the day’s activities begin. Due to poverty, many of the parents of children in Compassion’s programme struggle to meet their basic dietry needs. Compassion’s church partners carefully monitor children for signs of malnutrition, and step in to provide nutritional support when necessary.
Breakfast is often porridge, but today it’s amandazi, or donuts. Yum! After bellies are full, it is time for prayer and devotion. As part of Compassion’s programme, every child has the opportunity to experience the love of God, hear the gospel, and grow their faith.
The kids get settled in for their first class of the day. In this classroom, Rwandan children will have opportunities to dream, learn and grow where poverty would rob them of that potential.
10:30am
Break time! The kids head out to the playground to dance, sing, and play with friends in a safe environment.
11:00am
Back inside for the second lesson of the day.
Rwanda prioritises education and up to 98% of children are enrolled in primary school.
However, crowded classes—sometimes with 60 kids to one teacher—makes it hard for kids to learn.
Education helps lift people out of poverty, so Compassion ensures each child and youth has access to knowledge and training. Along with access to formal education or vocational training, Compassion centre staff and tutors also offer age-appropriate learning like hygiene, computer training and music.
Meanwhile, the incredible team of cooks visit the centre’s vegetable garden to harvest ingredients for lunch.
Produce doesn’t get much fresher than this!
The typical Rwandan menu includes rice, posho (a common East African dish made with cornmeal) or potatoes with beans and green vegetables.
12pm
Lunch is served. The verdict? “Biraryoshe”—delicious!
It’s play time! God designed us for community, so Compassion encourages children with healthy, personal relationships. At their local centre, kids have friends their age to learn with and opportunities to form positive friendships.
There’s power in being known by name. Through pastors, tutors, church staff and volunteers, the children we work with are cared for and invested in by members of their own communities who encourage them to discover their unique gifts, passions and abilities.
“Every child you encounter is a divine appointment.” — Wess Stafford, President Emeritus of Compassion International
1pm
Let’s learn about healthy bodies. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, so Compassion ensures they have the medical care they need. As well as medical check-ups, this includes learning about topics like preventing malaria.
2pm
It’s time to write letters to sponsors and plan for the future. Sponsors play an important role in children’s lives through prayers and messages of encouragement. Tutors help younger kids write their letters and may write prompts on the blackboard to get their writing juices flowing.
Older children work with local staff to discover their gifts, strengths and interests and set goals for their future. We call this “My Plan for Tomorrow”. They also receive vocational skills training in areas like computer training, carpentry, motor vehicle repair, dressmaking, cooking and hairdressing.
After a fun-filled day, it’s time to say goodbye!
“Murabeho!” Goodbye. Thanks for spending the day with us!
*This is an example of a typical day, but the curriculum and topics covered will vary from centre to centre, depending on the children’s needs.
Learn more about child sponsorship here