Mission
Foundation Rwanda (FR) was established in 2007 to provide holistic support to empower both, second-generation survivors born of rapes which occurred during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and their mothers.
FR’s mission is to:
To provide support for educational opportunities including vocational training and university scholarships for second-generation survivors.
To break the cycle of inter-generational trauma by convening and linking families to mental health, medical, and social support services.
To empower families economically by providing income- generating and financial literacy programs and small business loans.
To create awareness about the consequences of genocide and sexual violence through photography and new media.
We believe everyone should have the right to equal access to education, medical and mental health support, and opportunities that will improve the quality of their lives.
Since Foundation Rwanda’s inception in 2007, over 830 Foundation Rwanda students graduated from secondary school or vocational training.
Survivors Fund (SURF) is our key partner in providing life-changing services to the Foundation Rwanda families together with our local partner organizations, including Solace Ministries, Kanyarwanda, and AVEGA Agahozo. Learn more and support the Foundation Rwanda families here.
Foundation Rwanda curates 2-4 newsletters per year showcasing art and photography connected to our work. For regular news on Foundation Rwanda’s programs, sign up for SURF’s newsletter with Foundation Rwanda updates here.
Programs
KYBORA: Small Business Loans
Provides small business loans to second-generation survivors.
Helps youth care for their mothers and become self-sufficient.
10 second-generation survivor entrepreneurs have been awarded grants ($900-$5,000).
Seeking support to sponsor 100 additional second-generation survivors per year through 2026.
Community Counseling Youth Camps
FR has provided counseling and support to over 207 youth.
Camps are held twice a year during August and December school holidays.
Offers a safe space for youth to heal, develop life skills, and learn about reproductive health.
$40,000 would provide life-changing counseling to an additional 350 students.
Vocational Training
FR has provided vocational training to over 150 youth.
Provides training in catering, plumbing, cosmetology, construction, textiles, and mechanics. (Partially funded by Inspire!africa).
$31,250 would provide vocational training to 50 students.
Community Counseling For Mothers
Aims to improve mother-child relationships and address inter-generational trauma.
Provides mothers with tools and resources to cope with the challenges of parenting a child born from rape as well as to addresses general young-adult behavior.
Fosters peer support groups and trains local representatives to lead groups and report symptoms of trauma.
610 women have completed the program.
$55,000 would provide hope and healing to an additional 270 women.
Higher Education
FR has fully funded secondary-school program for over 830 students and seeks to empower those continuing on to university.
Supports students with food, accommodation, and transportation.
Cost: $56 per month per student.
$13,440 would support 20 additional second-generation survivor students with food, accommodation, and transportation ($56 per month/student).
Empower survivors. Donate today!