KNH, Partners celebrate 30 years in promoting children’s rights, families’ resilience in Rwanda

By Elias Hakizimana.

The Germany-based child-rights organization Kindernothilfe (KNH) in partnership with its local partner-organizations in Rwanda marks a significant milestone ’30 years of impactful collaboration in Rwanda’ in building capacity of needy families and promote children’s rights and welfare.

This partnership, which began in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis, has been pivotal in transforming the lives of vulnerable communities across the country.

In the wake of Rwanda’s profound distress following the 1994 genocide, KNH joined forces with AEE to provide critical relief efforts.

AEE is a local Christian non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering holistic transformation through sustainable and innovative programs.

Speaking during the event, AEE board Vice-chairperson, Bishop Manasseh, expressed gratitude to KNH and its partners for their instrumental role in aiding the recovery of the lives of Rwandan children post-genocide against the Tutsi.

“We needed rehabilitation and recovery of our infrastructures and lives. We needed capacity, and we thank KNH for their significant support. We cannot forget the commendable leadership of this country, which has focused on opening doors for partners to come and implement various interventions centered on children’s development while building the current and future state of the country,” he said.

Georg Mueller, Head of Africa Department in KNH stated that since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, KNH has been supporting partner organizations to promote the rights and development of children.

“Apart from Rwanda, today we are supporting Burundi, Uganda, and Kenya. Our program has committed 1.5 million Euros to various projects in Rwanda by 2024. In Rwanda, we support two programs: one focused on building the capacity of families and citizens, and another on child rights, implemented by CLADHO, AEE, and ARCT RUHUKA. I thank the government of Rwanda for opening doors for us to work together in advancing children’s rights and welfare,” he said, noting that KNH has supported over 4,000 groups, benefiting 16,000 children in Rwanda.

Addressing the participants at the event, Jürgen Borchardt, Member of Executive Board – Chief Finance Officer at KNH, praised the remarkable development and infrastructure improvements that Rwanda has achieved since the genocide against the Tutsi.

“Seeing the performance and welfare of children is heartening. We appreciate the advancements in women and children’s welfare, and the initiatives related to promoting children’s rights and welfare, thanks to the exemplary leadership of Rwanda,” he said.

 

Esther Uwineza’s poem, a child from Rulindo district, presented under the supports of KNH, highlights the educational and developmental benefits provided by the organization.

In her poem, Esther reflects on the lessons learned about leadership, recreation, crafts, behavior, and rights. She emphasizes the importance of respecting parents, offering advice, and actively participating in community activities.

Esther also celebrates the tangible support they receive, including education, nutritious meals, medical care, and clothing, illustrating the positive impact of KNH’s initiatives on their lives.

Delphine Dukundimana, 19, a beneficiary of KNH from Jabana sector, Gasabo district, endured child defilement and early pregnancy. Through professional sewing training provided by KNH, her life has been transformed. She now runs her own sewing business, serving two schools under contract to produce uniforms for students.

“From the shadows of defilement and early motherhood in poverty, I have embraced a new life. Thanks to KNH’s support, I can now pay school fees for my 3-year-old child, provide proper nutrition, pay for our health insurance, and meet other basic needs. My sewing skills have also enabled me to raise small livestock—pigs, chickens, and rabbits. I am committed to supporting other children who have faced similar challenges,” Dukundimana said.

Commending KNH interventions in Rwanda, the Governor of the Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, expressed gratitude for the partnership with KNH in supporting Rwanda’s developmental and transformational efforts following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

“We are now celebrating achievements in health promotion and education, particularly for children and youth. This is the foundation of everything we do. With over 14 million people in Rwanda, more than 70 percent are under 30 years old, we value education for all, safe and healthy families, and your invaluable support to the needy children.” Rubingisa said.

Rubingisa acknowledged the instrumental support provided for genocide orphans, children from vulnerable and poor families, as well as assistance to victims of defilement and child labor, which has significantly contributed to Rwanda’s development.

He expressed deep appreciation for the ongoing support in transforming lives and promoting self-reliance, calling for collaboration to celebrate future achievements together.

Established in 1959, over the years, KNH collaboration has evolved into comprehensive community development initiatives. KNH works with NGOs in 36 countries, impacting the lives of over 2 million children and their families annually.

Today, 30 years later, KNH collaborates with three Rwandan NGOs—ARCT RUHUKA, CLADHO, and Bamporeze Association—implementing nine projects across 20 districts namely Rwamagana, Kayonza, Bugesera, Gasabo, Nyarugenge, Kicukiro, Gicumbi, Rulindo, Musanze, Rubavu, Rutsiro, Karongi, Nyabihu, Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango, Huye, Gisagara, Nyaruguru, and Nyamagabe.

Participants at the event.

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