Rwanda

In Masaka, Rwanda we partner with James & Jackie Nirere, who have been serving widows and genocide survivors for over 10 years. Jackie was trained in the US and worked for many years with YWAM before God called her & James to start The River ministry. At present, The River has ministered to 2000 street children and over 700 surviving widows.

Masaka village is a community of genocide survivors, where 80% of widows are HIV+. They have been trapped in a cycle of poverty and shunned because of their debilitating disease. The women of Masaka are hard-working, but live under stigma and lack opportunities for jobs. Through vocational training and small-businesses, many of these ladies are starting to build a sustainable income.

Masaka village also hosts a large population of street children, many of whom lost their parents to HIV/AIDS. Through educational scholarships, mentoring & discipleship, and housing support these youth have opportunities for a brighter future.

Monthly Food Support

Monthly food rations provide for the 600+ most vulnerable families in the community.
Medical Insurance

We support 300 families with annual medical insurance, enabling those with HIV to get essential medicines.
Education

Financial support provided for over 200 at-risk primary and secondary students.
Vocational Training

We’ve equipped 35 widows with job-skills training and provided micro loans for 25 families.
Small Business

We operate a sewing & handcrafts business that employs vulnerable women.
Street Kids Program

Mentorship for street kids & other vulnerable children through soccer teams, dance and choir.
Housing Support

We repair homes for vulnerable families and outfitted with essential household items.
Agriculture

Establishing food security through farming corn, potatoes, bananas and livestock.

Burundian Refugee Community

Violence against minority ethnic groups in Burundi has forced many families to flee into neighboring countries. Among the refugees are Christian leaders who bravely spoke out to condemn this violence. We partner with a community of Burundian refugees who fled across the border into Rwanda. Through housing assistance and micro-loans, their livelihood is slowly being restored.