Rwanda 2026

The students in Higiro, a primary school located just a few kilometres from the border with Burundi, are currently still on their summer holidays.

As always, the previous school year ended with examinations, which determine whether students move on to the next grade or, for those in Grade 6, are admitted to a secondary school. For their studies, the more than 1,200 children were able to use new exercise books for mathematics and languages, as well as ballpoint pens. During breaks, the footballs and two sets of jerseys were eagerly used for exercise and fun. Thanks to a donation, the purchase of these supplies helped ease the financial burden on parents, as many prices locally—particularly for everyday necessities—have increased, while wages have not. The harvest from the fields has provided some additional relief, as people in this area live almost exclusively from subsistence farming. We will also provide school supplies for the children in the new school year, so that as many children as possible can receive an education and have the opportunity to shape their own futures.

Dr. Severién is also making good progress with his training as a specialist in gynaecology. Through theoretical studies at university and practical experience in various hospitals, he is expanding his knowledge. Our contribution towards food and accommodation supports him and his family with their monthly living expenses. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to meet him in person during a project visit this year. Due to the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which shares a border with Rwanda, the trip has currently been postponed until next year. We hope that efforts to develop a vaccine will progress well and that no cases of the disease will occur in Rwanda.

We will share further developments in our Christmas newsletter.