Eglise Presbyterienne au Rwanda

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  • HANDOVER OF THE KARAMA ECD INFRASTRUCTURE IN REMERA PRESBYTERY

    HANDOVER OF THE KARAMA ECD INFRASTRUCTURE IN REMERA PRESBYTERY

    On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, the handover ceremony for the Early Childhood Development (ECD) infrastructure in Karama parish, located in Remera Presbytery, was held with significant attendance.

    These facilities were constructed through a partnership between ForAfrika, the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR), and the Kamonyi District.

    The event was graced by several key representatives, including the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs of Kamonyi District, the Vice Modulator of the Remera Presbytery, the Country Director of ForAfrika Rwanda, and delegates from the EPR headquarter.

    The handover facilities include an administration office, five classrooms, a kitchen, latrines, and a children’s playground. While this marks a major milestone, some construction works are yet to be completed. To ensure the center becomes operational in the 2025–2026 academic year, the Church and the District have committed to collaborating closely to finalize the remaining works in time.

    The official inauguration of these infrastructures is scheduled to take place upon the completion of all ongoing construction activities.

    During the ceremony, the Country Director of ForAfrika Rwanda expressed sincere gratitude to both the Church and the District for embracing collaboration, which made it possible to reach this stage. He further assured the audience that, upon the availability of additional funding, ForAfrika is committed to sustaining and expanding the partnership.

    The Country Director of ForAfrika in Rwanda during his address.
    The Country Director of ForAfrika in Rwanda during his address.

    On behalf of the Church, the Vice Modulator of the Remera Presbytery extended thanks to the partner organization and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to safeguarding and maintaining the achievements realized so far.

    the Vice Modulator of the Remera Presbytery
    The Vice Modulator of the Remera Presbytery

    In his address as the Guest of Honour, the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs of Kamonyi District praised the Presbyterian Church for availing land for the project and praised ForAfrika for financing the construction of the classrooms. He emphasized that these new facilities would significantly benefit local families who previously had to send their children to distant schools.

    the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs of Kamonyi District
    the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs of Kamonyi District

    He highlighted the project’s strategic contribution to the district’s performance contracts (Imihigo), particularly towards the goal of achieving zero students out of school. The Vice Mayor concluded by appreciating the spirit of collaboration that characterized the initiative and reassured stakeholders of the district’s continued commitment to working closely with both the Church and ForAfrika.

                 

     

  • EPR CHURCH AND WORLD SERVANTS PARTNER TO CONSTRUCT ECD CLASSROOMS IN MUHAZI PARISH, ZINGA PRESBYTERY

    EPR CHURCH AND WORLD SERVANTS PARTNER TO CONSTRUCT ECD CLASSROOMS IN MUHAZI PARISH, ZINGA PRESBYTERY

    In a continued effort to promote access to quality education, the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR), in partnership with the international organization World Servants, is currently constructing three Early Childhood Development (ECD) classrooms in Muhazi Parish, within Zinga Presbytery.

     

    MUHAZI PARISH IN ZINGA PRESBYTERY
    MUHAZI PARISH IN ZINGA PRESBYTERY

    This educational initiative aims to serve both members of the EPR congregation and the broader local community. As part of the collaboration, a group of 39 international volunteers mainly youth from the Netherlands arrived in Rwanda on July 23, 2025, to support the construction efforts. They are scheduled to return to their country on August 11, 2025.

    The official launch of the construction was marked by a public ceremony officiated by the Mayor of Rwamagana District, alongside the Head of Zinga Presbytery, underscoring the importance of the project in fostering community development and early childhood education.

    THE MAYOR OF RWAMAGANA DISTRICT
    THE MAYOR OF RWAMAGANA DISTRICT

    Currently, the construction work is progressing well and is nearing completion. There is strong optimism that the classrooms will soon be ready for use, providing a safe and supportive learning environment for young children in the region.

        In addition to their involvement in the construction of Early Childhood Development (ECD) classrooms, the international volunteers from the Netherlands also engage in various sports and recreational activities with local youth from the surrounding communities. These interactions serve as a platform for cultural exchange, mutual learning, and the strengthening of social bonds.

    Through friendly games and open dialogue, the young participants have the opportunity to share and celebrate their diverse cultural backgrounds while also learning about Rwanda’s history and heritage. This aspect of the project not only fosters intercultural understanding but also contributes to building lasting connections between the volunteers and the local community.

    ARRIVAL OF WORLD SERVANTS YOUTH VOLONTEERS
    ARRIVAL OF WORLD SERVANTS YOUTH VOLONTEERS

       

    DURING THE OPENING CEREMONY

    DURING THE OPENING CEREMONY

       

  • Youth Forum for Students with Disabilities Opens at CPAJ Center in Kigali

    Youth Forum for Students with Disabilities Opens at CPAJ Center in Kigali

    The Youth Forum for Students with Disabilities, jointly organized by the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR) and the National Union of Disability Organizations of Rwanda (NUDOR), is currently taking place at CPAJ Center from August 19–22, 2025.

    During the opening sessions, various leaders encouraged the students to build self-confidence, work harder in their studies, and set clear goals for their personal development.

    Similar forums are being held across all provinces of the country, bringing together a total of 198 participants. Most of the attendees are senior secondary school students in their final two years (S5 & S6), along with university students. In Kigali, the event at CPAJ was officially launched by Dr. Betty Mukarwego, Chairperson of NUDOR, together with the Vice President of EPR.

    In his remarks, the EPR Vice President thanked NUDOR’s leadership for its collaboration with the Church through the CBID Tujyanemo (Community-Based Inclusive Development) program. He underlined the Church’s ongoing role in supporting persons with disabilities and highlighted the challenges they continue to face. He reminded participants that the forum provides a valuable opportunity to jointly seek shared solutions and reaffirmed that people with disabilities have an equal place in the Church, in society, and in the nation, deserving of recognition as God’s children and full citizens.

    Dr. Mukarwego chairperson of NUDOR, emphasized the opportunities now available thanks to both government policies and Church initiatives promoting inclusive education. She recalled that, in the past, people with disabilities were often excluded and undervalued. She urged the students to make the most of their studies and the opportunities they have today, describing them as a true blessing. She encouraged them to embrace all the guidance provided throughout the forum and wished them a fruitful training experience.

    The forum was officially launched and opened by the Vice President of EPR.

    Vice President of EPR
    The Chairperson of NUDOR
  • EPR Hosts First Presbyterian Church of Nashville Delegation on Development and Mission Visit

    EPR Hosts First Presbyterian Church of Nashville Delegation on Development and Mission Visit

    On Monday, August 18, 2025, the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda (EPR) welcomed a delegation of partners from the First Presbyterian Church of Nashville, USA. The guests were officially received by the Vice President of EPR and were briefed on the church’s ongoing projects across its departments and presbyteries, including initiatives supported by the partnership.

    The visit aimed to monitor and strengthen collaboration in both development and evangelism programs. As part of their itinerary, the delegation visited Kanombe Parish, where they joined celebrations marking the parish’s 25th anniversary and reflected on the fruitful journey of partnership in ministry and community development.

    The delegation also toured the Centre Presbytérien d’Amour des Jeunes (CPAJ), where they interacted with children reintegrated from street life and young mothers receiving support through the church’s programs.

    In their remarks, the visitors expressed great appreciation for the tangible progress achieved through the partnership, noting the active involvement of youth in various leadership and development initiatives. They commended EPR for its visible impact and the positive transformation in communities.

    The EPR leadership, in turn, thanked the delegation for their unwavering support, emphasizing that their contribution continues to play a vital role in advancing the mission of the church and bringing meaningful change to the lives of Rwandans across the country.

  • In Partnership with EPR, World Servants Volunteers Complete ECD Classroom Construction in Rwamagana and Return to the Netherlands

    In Partnership with EPR, World Servants Volunteers Complete ECD Classroom Construction in Rwamagana and Return to the Netherlands

    On Monday, 11 August 2025, A team of volunteers from the international organization World Servants has completed its mission in Rwanda for construction of three early childhood development (ECD) classrooms in Nyarusange, Muhazi Parish, Rwamagana district (Zinga Presbytery).

    After several days of work in Rwamagana District, the team traveled to Kigali to meet with leadership from the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR). In an afternoon evaluation session led by the EPR Vice President, the volunteers highlighted the project’s achievements and praised the warm hospitality they received. They were also particularly impressed with how quickly the classrooms were roofed and secured, in short period of time.

    Evaluation session
    Evaluation session

    Therefore, Following the meeting, the team headed to Kigali International Airport in Kanombe to catch their flight back to the Netherlands.  The visit was characterized by mutual goodwill, collaboration, and gratitude. EPR highlighted that this initiative represents a key milestone within its broader partnership with World Servants, and confirmed its commitment to continued cooperation on future educational and community development projects.

    Photos upon their arrival home

     

  • EPR and World Servants Celebrate Successful Volunteer Mission with ECD Construction in Nyarusange, located in Zinga Presbytery

    EPR and World Servants Celebrate Successful Volunteer Mission with ECD Construction in Nyarusange, located in Zinga Presbytery

    On Friday, August 8, 2025, the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda (EPR), in partnership with the international organization World Servants, held a closing ceremony marking the end of a volunteer mission from the Netherlands. The volunteer team had been engaged in the construction of three Early Childhood Development (ECD) classrooms in Nyarusange, located in Zinga Presbytery. This initiative is one of several collaborative projects planned between EPR and World Servants, and stands as the first milestone in a broader cooperation framework for the future.

    The event was graced by the Honourable Vice President of EPR, who served as the Guest of Honour, and was warmly welcomed by the modulator of Zinga Presbytery. In his address to attendees, the Vice President expressed profound gratitude to the young volunteers and the accompanying leadership team from World Servants for their outstanding contributions during their stay in Rwanda. He further commended World Servants for their strong collaboration and productive partnership with EPR.

    The Honourable Vice President of EPR
    The Honorable Vice President of EPR

    Highlighting the importance of such community development initiatives, the Vice President emphasized that projects of this nature remain crucial in many areas of the country. He called for the continuation and expansion of these efforts, especially in communities where such interventions are still limited.

    Three classrooms constructed
    Three classrooms constructed

    The ceremony concluded with the presentation of gifts to each volunteer, offered by EPR as a token of appreciation and a lasting reminder of the fruitful collaboration during their mission in Rwanda.

         

  • POSITIVE PARENTING GRADUATION CEREMONY HELD IN RWAMAGANA

    POSITIVE PARENTING GRADUATION CEREMONY HELD IN RWAMAGANA

    On August 7th, 2025, the first Positive Parenting graduation of 2025 was successfully celebrated in Rwamagana District. The event took place at Nzige Sector, Murama Cell, bringing together parents, community leaders, and partners committed to strengthening family care practices.

    The graduation, organized under the Turakura Kids Rwanda initiative in collaboration with the Eglise Presbytérienne au Rwanda (EPR) and Help a Child Rwanda, marked a significant milestone in promoting positive parenting as a pillar to sustainable development.

    The ceremony was honored by the presence of the Mayor of Rwamagana District alongside other local leaders. Help a Child was represented by Program Coordinator Nirere J. Bosco, while EPR was represented by Rev. Paul Nkurunziza Modulator of Zinga Presbytery.

    In their addresses, all speakers emphasized the importance of providing quality care and guidance during children’s early years. They encouraged the graduates to act as ambassadors of positive parenting and agents of mindset change within their respective villages. The leaders also expressed their gratitude to EPR and Help a Child for initiating and sustaining the parenting program, which has already shown tangible benefits in local communities.

    Rev. Paul Nkurunziza, Modulator of Zinga Presbytery
    Rev. Paul Nkurunziza, Modulator of Zinga Presbytery

    Mayor of Rwamagana District
    Mayor of Rwamagana District

    The celebration was enriched by songs and dramatic performances that conveyed inspiring messages about responsible parenting, unity, and hope. The atmosphere was filled with joy and a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation with love, respect, and care.

    The Positive Parenting program continues to empower parents with knowledge and skills to create safe, supportive, and stimulating home environments, aligning with the vision that “Positive parenting is a pillar to sustainable development.”

    Mr, Narcisse NYAMUNAGA, Director of Diakonia and Development Department with EPR

    Mr, Narcisse NYAMUNAGA, Director of Diakonia and Development Department within EPR

    OTHER PHOTOS