Rwanda

Population

8,648,248

Location

Landlocked between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania

Languages

Kinyarwanda, English and French (all official) and Kiswahili in commercial centers.

Religion

Roman Catholic, Protestant, Islam and traditional African religions

Capital City

Kigali

Literacy Rate

70%

Life Expectancy

39.2 years

Interesting Facts

Rwanda’s original inhabitants were the Pygmy peoples called the Twa. They comprise 1% of Rwanda’s current population and dwell primarily in the forests. The other two groups to migrate to Rwanda were the Hutu and Tutsi peoples. After centuries of intermarriage, they shared the same language, culture and religions. The terms Hutu or Tutsi were used to describe whether someone was a herder or a farmer. Tutsi were those who raised cattle (usually a higher economic class). The Belgians though issued ID cards labeling individuals in order to create tension between them. This later led to numerous genocides including the worst one in 1994 where 1/5 of Rwanda’s population was murdered.

Now, Rwanda is a shining example of Africa’s ability to move forward and rebuild a nation after tragedy. Although there is still much work to be done, Rwandans are rebuilding their nation. Their new president Paul Kagame is setting a good example of African leadership and reconciliation.

Projects

We have been privileged to send financial assistance which is used to run some wonderful programs run by Mbwira Ndumva such as English language lessons, professional training for orphans and therapy and medication for genocide survivors. These funds are also used to assist wonderful men and women who have opened their homes and hearts to orphans as well as to programs designed to bridge the divide between the Hutu and Tutsi populations. Additionally, we send eyeglasses to our cooperative members regularly.