July 2025, by Andrea Muschiol
At the beginning of the year, we again heard worrying news from Rwanda: the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo had expanded, and refugees continued to cross the border into Rwanda. Following the signing of an agreement in June, we hope that the situation in the region will calm down and that people will be able to return home.
In the areas around the hospital in Gikonko and in the south near Higiro, no refugees have arrived due to the distance. Nevertheless, it remains difficult for the local population to earn a sufficient living for themselves and their families. Climate changes with extreme heat, over 30°C in March, followed by heavy rainfall later, did not lead to the expected harvests. Here we were able to help for one month by providing funds to support the school meals at the school in Gikonko. The children received a hot lunch, such as millet porridge made from sorghum or rice with vegetables.
The exchange rate to the euro has increased by approximately 17% – this is positive for currency conversion, but the prices of all imported goods, including everyday items, medicines, or food that cannot be produced locally, are rising.
At the end of July, summer holidays begin in Rwanda, and the new school year starts on September 6. Then we will be able to provide all kindergarten and primary school children (grades 1–6) at the school in Higiro with basic school supplies. This is a great relief for the parents, who can hopefully use their subsistence farming yields and the small income from sales to buy food for their children, since daily school meals will not be available during the holidays. We will gladly provide a detailed overview in the Christmas newsletter!