You've arrived in the Republic of Rwanda, one of the smallest and greenest countries on the African mainland. Come with us and see a World of Difference in Gisagara district, southern Rwanda, where Tearfund’s partner Association Mwana Ukundwa (AMU) runs Bible studies and self-help groups in this still-recovering country.
Listen to the community assembled to greet you with a chorus – take time out, close your eyes xxx.
Xxxx three quarters of agricultural land use in Bangladesh is for rice paddy fields
16%
of the population live in extreme poverty
64%
of Rwandan MPs are women
75%
of the population rely on subsistence agriculture for a living
Rwanda has made significant progress, recovering from the devastation of 1994 – this year marks the 25 anniversary of the genocide. Stable governance since has helped the country greatly but more than a third of people still live below the poverty line.
Association Mwana Ukundwa, meaning ‘beloved child’, believes everyone should be given opportunities to reach their God-given potential. AMU works alongside individuals and families to improve their harvests and promote income-generating activities through self-help groups with savings and loans schemes.
Xxxx three quarters of agricultural land use in Bangladesh is for rice paddy fields
Xxxxxx cide happened in this village,’ says Télesphore. ‘People were killed here. Others fled and told of what happened. I was one of the people who was sent to prison – they wanted to find out who was involved. I was jailed in July 1994, right after the genocide. But I was found not guilty and released in 2003.
When Télesphore came home he found out his wife with a baby daughter, which he knew could not be his. This put a huge strain on their relationship and they both started drinking heavily. And Télesphore would verbally abuse and neglect Primitive.
Domestic abuse – rooted in gender inequality – is widespread in many parts of the world. Conflict and crisis has a detrimental effect on relationships and these often result in violent or controlling bxxxxxxxx.
"We work together and help each other. It is a sign of love"
Xxxx three quarters of agricultural land use in Bangladesh is for rice paddy fields
Xxxxx controlled all our money,’ says Primitive. ‘I was not even a signatory on our bank account. I had livestock when Télesphore was in prison. But when he came out he took all of it.’
‘Ours was a home of poverty,’ says Télesphore. ‘It started to deteriorate. But then Bernadette from AMU came. She advised us to join a Bible study group. We realised if we really needed to change we had to go back and worship God.
‘We decided to forgive each other. So I forgave her and she forgave me. We decided to live in harmony. We joined a self-help group and started to farm maize, beans and cassava. We have a cow to provide us with milk.
AMU encouraged Télesphore and Primitive to listen to and understand each other. Now they have a common vision and communicate well rather than fight argue. They are such a good example, they now help other couples who are struggling.
‘So far we have helped six families to resolve their problems. It is the word of God through the Bible that has helped us and these families. It is thx xxxx
Cow dancing is a traditional artform where the movements reflect and represent the shape of the of the long-horned Inyambo cattle.
Cows in Rwanda have traditionally been seen as a symbol of great wealth. This breed traditionally featured in important ceremonies in honour of the king. A family who owned many herds of Inyambo would command great respect.
A family who owned many herds of Inyambo would command great respect. The cows are the most important gift you can give a friend, and the present would be a symbol of friendship between families. They are still given as wedding presents.
Gilbert from another Tearfund partner in Rwanda, African Evangelistic Enterprise, is also helping to lift communities out of poverty.
'Transformation is a journey – we are moving forward and seeing people coming to own the process. We are starting to see the fruit of our training. When we see change it encourages us as we are the ones who are mobilising people. I feel really valued that my efforts are bearing fruit. I thank God because he's using me to bring transformation within the community. I'm really glad about that.'
Xxxx three quarters of agricultural land use in Bangladesh is for rice paddy fields
