Rwanda
Many families still lack safe water—your gift transforms lives through clean water and God’s love.
About Rwanda
Welcome to Rwanda, a captivating land-locked country nestled in the heart of Africa, covering a picturesque expanse of 26,338 square kilometers. Bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda is a nation of vibrant diversity and rich cultural heritage. Administratively divided into five provinces and 30 districts, our country empowers its local population through political, economic, and social initiatives. With a resident population of approximately 11.4 million, Rwanda is a tapestry of lives, where 47.8% are male and 52.2% are female. An average annual growth of 2.3% paints a future of continuous dynamism, while a population density of 434 per square kilometer showcases our close-knit communities.
Ruhango
Busasamana
Our work
Since 2007, Living Water has embarked on a transformative journey in Rwanda, dedicating itself to providing safe water to communities in need. Our focus initially rested on operations, but in 2012, under the guidance of the Ministry of Natural Resources, we shifted our efforts to the Ruhango district. As our commitment deepened, Nyanza District became part of our fold in 2019. This strategic approach enables us to form meaningful connections within the very communities we serve. Our distinct approach, implementing WASH Program Areas, fosters enduring physical and spiritual development. By addressing the critical needs of water, hygiene, and sanitation, we foster ownership and sustainability, engaging communities, churches, leaders, and stakeholders. This fusion of gospel and service creates a unique tapestry of transformation, empowering local churches as leaders in their communities.
13.3 million
Population
39.6%
Lack access to safe water
31.1%
Lack access to improved sanitation
In Rwanda, access to safe water has evolved into a beacon of progress. A recent census conducted in 2012 showcased remarkable headway, with 63% of our population enjoying basic water services. Yet, disparities persist between urban and rural areas. While urban districts boast an impressive 84% access rate, rural counterparts lag at 52%. To bridge this gap, the Rwandan government and its partners crafted robust WASH policies, steering funding, management, and sustainability. Living Water proudly stands as a member of the Water and Sanitation sector working group, aligning with a shared vision. Our gaze is fixed on the next five years, where our targeted efforts within Ruhango and Nyanza will propel us to surmount the barriers of access.
Living Water’s influence ripples through Rwanda’s landscape, championing hygiene and sanitation. Our approach is dynamic, nurturing communities and institutions through Community Health Clubs (CHCs) and the LWI Traditional Method. These transformative hygiene promotion sessions unfurl in tandem with the construction of new wells, bridging the knowledge gap with engaging behavior change strategies. Our Community and Church Mobilization (CCM) initiatives, alongside local administration and churches, kindle the flames of understanding. At the heart of it all, Living Water endeavors to cultivate new Community Health Clubs, nurturing hygiene champions within schools and kindling interschool competitions. This mosaic of efforts amplifies hygiene and sanitation, igniting lasting change across generations.
In the tapestry of transformation, faith and service intertwine, reflecting Living Water Rwanda’s core belief. Water sustains and cleanses, echoing the transformative power of God’s Word. We are not merely bearers of safe water; we are messengers of reconciliation through Jesus Christ. This gospel proclamation comes alive through prayer groups, radio broadcasts, literature distribution, and Bible storying workshops. Our journey extends to envisioning integral mission, facilitating church and community workshops, and fostering unity across denominations. Amidst all, the heart of Living Water Rwanda beats to empower local churches as beacons of spiritual and physical transformation.
In the heart of our endeavors lies a profound truth: water’s ability to sustain and purify mirrors the transformative power of God’s Word. At Living Water International Rwanda, we are more than providers of clean water; we are bearers of hope, reconciliation, and faith. Guided by our faith in Jesus Christ, we’re committed to sharing the message of redemption and love with the communities we serve. Our approach encompasses a diverse array of strategies, from developing prayer groups that act as Christ’s ambassadors to proclaiming the Gospel through local radio broadcasts and the impactful Jesus film. Through distributing Gospel literature, leading Bible storying workshops, and nurturing church leaders’ spiritual growth, we strive to nurture faith, unity, and lasting transformation. The heart of our mission is rooted in spreading the Good News, intertwining it with every facet of our work as we embark on a journey of spiritual and physical renewal.
Hastings Banda
Country Director
Long-Term Goal / Vision
In the year ahead, Living Water International Rwanda is poised to transform lives and communities in Ruhango and Nyanza districts. These regions, where the need is profound, will be our canvas for change. With water projects, hygiene education, and church and community mobilization at our core, we strive to elevate access to clean water to 74% in Nyanza and 53% in Ruhango. Our commitment is unwavering, guided by a vision of holistic transformation that embraces the essence of our country and the spirit of its people. While our focus is set, we also tend to the legacy of more than 600 water projects, ensuring that our impact resonates across the nation.