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Project information
Rural Development in Rwanda
Working closely with the Rwandan Government, Rwanda Aid plans to create a village, or "umudugudu", which will act as a blueprint for rural development in Rwanda, and perhaps even further afield
April 2011 - July 2012
Charity information: Rwanda Aid

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Need
Need
In the aftermath of the genocide in 1994, and with widespread poverty, Rwanda faces some huge challenges, but the Government has set out a brave vision for 2020 to create a knowledge based economy and a caring society. This will be a particular challenge in rural regions where the population is fast growing, scattered, and mainly surviving on subsistence farming. There is a real danger that many young people will flock to towns and cities, with the attendant risk of huge urban slums.
Solution
Rwanda Aid will create a vibrant village community with access good quality, eco friendly housing, access to quality education and health care and good amenities. There will be diverse employment and recreational opportunities. Land will be set aside for larger and more effective organic farming. Emphasis will be placed on using the most effective eco technologies and very careful cost control. It is hoped that the village will act as a blueprint and catalyst for further development.
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Aims
Aim 1
Create low cost, aspirational housing using local materials only
Activities
» UK team of experts develops design and use of materials
» Train Rwandan designers and builders
» Monitor and evaluate the housing over a three year period
What success will look like
Success will be if the housing is affordable, efficient and popular
Aim 2
Creat a village community which is, as far as possible, self-sustaining
Activities
» Ensure each household runs an effective organic kitchen garden
» Develop larger scale organic farming
» Provide training and opportunity for diverse employment
What success will look like
Success will be that after a period of five years the village no longer requires any form of subsidy or support
Aim 3
Further the debelopment of a more knowledge based economy
Activities
» Ensure that there is a modern, purpose built school near the village
» Provide electricity and ICT equipment
» Support the school with books, equipment and training
What success will look like
Success will be when all children are able to access good quality education that meets their differing needs
Aim 4
Creat a village that is attractive to the young
Activities
» Provide diverse employment opportunities
» Create a community centre and encourage diverse recreational opportunities including ICT, drama, music and sport
What success will look like
Success will be that the youngsters choose to remain at the village rather than migrating to cities
Aim 5
Encourage care for the disadvantaged
Activities
» Ensure that the village has access to basic health-care
» Encourage the village to make provision for widows, orphans, disabled and elderly
What success will look like
Success will be when the disadvantaged feel secure and cared for.
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Impact
Impact
This project will provide a blueprint for rural development. It sets as its targets good quality eco housing, access to good amenities, education and health-care, provision of diverse employment and recreational opportunities and care for those on the edge of society. If it succeeds it will be replicated throughout rural Rwanda, and possibly beyond.
Risk
There is a risk that this project will be seen as interfering, social engineering. It will be important that the Rwanda Aid team works closely with the Government at local and national levels, and also consult fully with the local people involved. In the end they must structure and run their own community: we are facilitators, offering funding, advice and expertise.
Reporting
Our Rwandan team with the support of a UK manager sends a monthly newsletter. We will also report regularly in person to key donors
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Budget
Budget - Project Cost: £250,000
Loading graph....Amount Heading Description £125,000 Housing Eco housing for 50 families £25,000 Infra structure Light, water, fuel, sanitation £20,000 Vocational training Workshops and equipment £20,000 Schooling Books, ICT, training £20,000 Organic farming Land, equipment and training £40,000 Community Centre For meeting and recreation -
Background
Location
The model village will be located in Bweyeye in the remote South West corner of Rwanda. This is an extremely poor and needy area.
Beneficiaries
Fifty of the most needy families in the area. Families will be chosen by the local community and special emphasis will be placed on helping widows, widowers, orphans, the disabled an elderly.
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Why Us?
Why Us?
Rwanda Aid is well established and well known in the region. It has developed an excellent relationship with the Government at local and national level, and is in ntune with the needs and aspirations of the people
Read more about the Charity running this project.
People
Prince
Prince is the Rwandan Country manager
Jonas
Jonas is the senior social worker in Rwanda
Jean Bosco
Jean Bosco is the construction manager in Rwanda
Neville Chaplin
Is the UK based company secretary and treasurer for Rwanda Aid