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
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
The Presbyterian Church in Rwanda engages in various activities, including initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering young people by providing vocational training. One of its institutions, CPAJ, operates under the education department and is located in Kicukiro District, Kagarama Sector. This center offers vocational training to young people in different fields, such as tailoring and hairdressing.
What makes this center unique is its special focus on teen mothers in Kicukiro District. These teen mothers attend vocational training while bringing their children with them, ensuring they receive proper care. The center has hired caregivers to look after the children while the mothers are in class, allowing them to focus on their studies. However, the mothers also get breaks to check on their children. Each training cycle lasts six months before a new group starts.
Groupe Scolaire Mbuye, in Nyanza district, is among the school of EPR Gitarama presbytery, Mututu parish. On January 18, 2023, This school inaugurated the 6 classrooms, which were built in collaboration with the partner Rhineland-Palatinate. The group of partners came to join the school, during this ceremony and the speeches of all the participants contained the message of thanks for the good deed done.