Nyaruguru: Low-Income Families in Rasaniro Village Celebrate New Homes and Development Support

Low-income families in Rasaniro Village, Rusenge Sector, Nyaruguru District, are celebrating significant improvements in their living conditions following the renovation of their dilapidated homes and the provision of various development support initiatives. The transformation was made possible through a partnership between Nyaruguru District and Dufatanye Organization, in partnership with Suyana Foundation, positively impacting 13 families in the village.

As part of ongoing efforts to uplift low-income households and help them move out of unsafe and deteriorating housing, Nyaruguru District, in collaboration with Dufatanye Organization in partinership with Suyana Foundation operating in Rwanda, renovated 13 homes in Rasaniro Village, Rusenge Sector.

The houses had been severely damaged, leaving some families living in constant anxiety, especially during the rainy season. In addition to renovating the homes, beneficiaries received various forms of support, including banana seedlings, groundnut seeds, kitchen gardens, and chickens, all aimed at promoting self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.

Village leaders, district authorities, and representatives of Dufatanye Organization emphasized that the initiative aligns with the national commitment to “leave no one behind,” highlighting the importance of collaboration with local residents, who actively participated in the construction and renovation work.

Emmanuel Sibomana, one of the beneficiaries, described the difficult conditions they endured before the intervention: “Before our houses were renovated, whenever it rained, we would gather the children in one corner and spend the night being drenched. We lived in constant stress. It was a situation that made us feel discouraged and hopeless,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the Government of Rwanda, Nyaruguru District, and Dufatanye Organization for their support, noting that the banana plantations they received will help improve their livelihoods. He also highlighted that their children now have better access to education thanks to nearby infrastructure, including a school built close to their homes. “They continue to support us in many ways, such as providing clothing and building a nearby school where our children can study without difficulty,” he added.

Another beneficiary, Yabaragiye Gratie, a mother of two, also voiced her appreciation to the President of the Republic of Rwanda and the government for their continued support. “We are grateful to our government and to the President of the Republic. We have received many things, including groundnut seeds, banana seedlings, and kitchen gardens,” she said.

The Head of Rasaniro Village, Evariste Munguze, explained that through the partnership between Dufatanye Organization and the government, low-income families were able to have their homes rebuilt and renovated. He noted that previously, the houses were visibly deteriorated some roofs had been blown off, others were partially collapsed, and many walls were severely damaged. “Before, the condition of these houses was evident to everyone. Now, you can clearly see the improvement,” he said.

He added that local residents also gained temporary employment during the construction and renovation process, which helped support their daily needs. The village has seen broader progress as well; whereas children previously lacked access to vegetables, families now maintain kitchen gardens, and each household received three chickens measures expected to provide sustainable improvements in household nutrition and income. Rasaniro Village was the only village selected in Nyaruguru District for this phase of the project.

Karema Godfrey, the Country Director of Dufatanye Organization in Rwanda, praised the active involvement of residents, stressing that sustainable development depends on strong collaboration. “All the achievements you see here are possible because of good leadership and the active participation of the community. We could not have done this without the residents. Under our project called ‘Hope Village,’ we provide support such as vegetables and kitchen gardens, while also offering guidance on saving to ensure that development is sustainable,” she said.

The Mayor of Nyaruguru District, Emmanuel Murwanashyaka, emphasized that the beneficiaries themselves contributed to the work and urged them to protect and maintain what they have achieved in order to sustain progress. “All the work done here was not accomplished by authorities alone; we worked hand in hand with the residents living in these houses. I also extend my sincere appreciation to Dufatanye Organization for its significant contribution to improving the welfare of these citizens,” he said.

He further noted that the initiative reflects Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring that no citizen is left behind and commended the youth who volunteered to renovate homes for low-income families, describing their efforts as exemplary.

In total, 13 houses were renovated in Rasaniro Village, Rusenge Sector. Students studying construction at G.S. Rasaniro, a local school in the village, also participated in the project, gaining practical experience and applying the skills they acquire in class.