Press Releases

U.S. Government signs Grant agreements with Rwandan Organizations

September 15, 2005

The U.S. Embassy hosted today a ceremony to award financial assistance to a diverse group of Rwandan organizations.
The Chargé d’Affaires, Ms. Janet Wilgus, signed eleven agreements worth $76,000 or 42 million RWF with associations and community-based groups under the auspices of the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund. This fund works to support community initiatives with small grants as a way of responding directly to requests from the Rwandan people.  

These recipient organizations are located across around the country in eight provinces.  In Kigali, for example, the FCPMH will be making shoes and prostheses for the disabled and in Byumba, Ingufu z’Ubuzima Bwiza will produce efficient clay stoves which save natural resources.  Also in Byumba, the Ecole Primaire Muhando will build new classrooms, and in Ruhengeri the Paroisse de Janja will equip a training center.

Every project that receives support from the Self-Help Fund requires a contribution from the community, whether it be a local authority granting land to build a workshop or association members providing materials and labor.

Agreements were also signed under the Democracy and Human Rights Fund with three Rwandan NGOs.  This fund awards grants to organizations for projects promoting human rights, unity and reconciliation.  These grants totaled $45,000 or 25 million RWF francs.  Projects this year include advocacy for rights-based treatment of children in detention and training for associations of people living with disabilities.

The Self-Help and the Democracy and Human Rights Funds represent part of a longstanding partnership, whereby the American people support activities initiated and carried out by Rwandans.   In 2004 a total of 61,210,710 RWF was awarded to three human rights organizations and ten community associations.

FY-05 Self-Help Projects
American Embassy Kigali Rwanda
COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

FCPMH   
Kigali Town
• This group makes shoes and prostheses for the disabled.
Ingufu z’Ubuzima Bwiza

Byumba
• This association makes clay stoves to save firewood
Ecole Primaire Muhondo
Byumba
• Build three classrooms for Ecole primaire de Ruhondo
APEPA

Gisenyi Town
• Construct a building to house a car-mechanics training school
AFAT

Cyangugu
• This association makes chain-link fencing and related products by hand
Ubumwe

Butare
• Construct a pigsty
Tujijurane

Kigali Town
• Equipment for a training center for mothers
AEDEM

Gisenyi
• Turkeys for demobilized soldiers
Abizerana

Gitarama
• Honey
Izere

Kigali Ngali
• Sewing salon
Paroisse de Janja

Ruhengeri
• Equipment for a training center

HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS

• Association Générale des Handicapés au Rwanda (AGHR)
Promoting human rights and advocacy for associations of people living with disability

• Turengere Abana
Promoting a culture of respect for human rights and protection for children living in detention.

• District de Gisozi.
Seminars on Human Rights, Gacaca and Family Law.