Rwanda Projects
Rural Development Interdiocesan Services (RDIS) Housing Project
St. Paul’s has been providing funding for two housing projects per year, with needy recipients selected by parish pastors in Cyangugu and Shyogwe dioceses. This is the testimony of Yvonne MUKAMUGEMA. In her own words she explained her thanksgiving after being given a home.
This is the testimony of Yvonne MUKAMUGEMA. In her own words she explained her thanksgiving after being given a home:“I truly thank God for the miracle he has done for my family. Last year our house was destroyed by a heavy rainfall. In that time my son and I were in trouble because of not having a shelter, no food, no clothes and my husband was in prison for many years. It’s amazing to live in a cemented house and windows & doors with glasses. Many thanks to RDIS and their supporters for giving us a house, today we have a place to live and my husband who has disappeared is now back home. We are very happy for the house with an improved cook stoves, ceramic water filter and solar home system. God bless you. This is the start of joyful life and promising future.”
Cyangugu Diocese Youth Education
A local committee selects students who have been forced to stop attending classes because their families can no longer afford to send them to school. Depending on the situation, fees and transportation or boarding costs may be covered. Support continues until students complete their trade-related objectives or until they graduate from Senior 6 to prepare for advanced education. In 2022, St. Paul’s is sponsoring 15 students.
One student who recently became part of the program is MAHORO KEZA, a student in Senior 2 at Ecole Notre Dame Karubanda. She lost her father and is staying with her mother, who has no job. It is very difficult this mother to raise school fees and she needs support so her daughter can continue her studies.
Cyangugu Microfinance
This program helps people learn about savings, credit and business planning. It provides microloans to start small businesses and encourages villagers to work together to earn enough income to support their families.
www.embracerwanda.org
St. Paul’s also provides regular support to the Healthy Mums Program of Embrace Rwanda. This Vancouver-based charity promotes a range of interrelated community-oriented programs to “cultivate capacity.”
Other International Outreach
www.omf.org
Overseas Missionary Fellowship, founded in 1865 by Hudson Taylor as China Inland Mission, continues to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with the people of East Asia. St. Paul's directly supports Don and Sandi Howell, who have deep historic ties to our parish, and minister at the National Office of OMF Canada.
www.ratanak.org
Focus on Missions encourages support and prayer for the persecuted church around the world: especially for exploited youth in Cambodia through Ratanak International.
