On the serene hills of Shyorongi in Bugaragara Cell, Rulindo District, a small community-based organization is quietly transforming lives with profound, lasting impact. Known as CAM–RWANDA (Community Action for Mercy), the organization has become a beacon of hope for impoverished families, women, youth, and children, those who often stand at the margins of society.
Although CAM–RWANDA operates exclusively in Shyorongi Sector, its vision stretches far beyond local borders. The organization hopes to expand its humanitarian efforts across more sectors and districts, extending the compassion, support, and hope that have defined its work in Rulindo.
Guided by a mission “to inspire and empower vulnerable families, particularly women, children, and youth,” CAM–RWANDA envisions “healthy families that are economically self-reliant, dignified, responsible, and empowered to better manage their future.”
Transforming mindsets before livelihoods
CAM–RWANDA’s approach is rooted in the belief that sustainable change begins within the mind and the family unit. Through training programs, parents learn financial literacy, emotional management, and how to identify and use available resources to improve their welfare.
Many parents say that knowledge not financial assistance has brought the most significant transformation.
“I used to be angry all the time and unable to plan ahead,” says a young mother benefiting from the program. “Now I know how to control my emotions, manage money, and work together with my children.”
Restoring dignity to teenage mothers
CAM–RWANDA provides vocational skills training to teen mothers
Among the organization’s most impactful initiatives is its support for teenage mothers—girls who have faced isolation, stigma, and the abrupt end of educational opportunities.
CAM–RWANDA provides: vocational skills training such as tailoring and other income-generating trades, emotional and psychological support, and childcare for their babies at Jyejuru Kibondo Early Childhood Centre, allowing the mothers to attend training without fear.
At Jyejuru Kibondo, children from disadvantaged households receive early childhood education, nutritious meals, healthcare support, and continuous care. Mothers say this safe environment gives them peace of mind and the confidence to pursue a better future for themselves and their children.
Stories of transformation
Among the inspiring stories from CAM–RWANDA’s work is that of Jeanne Gentille, a young woman who had been pushed into commercial sex work due to difficult life circumstances. Through counselling, guidance, and emotional support, CAM–RWANDA helped her rebuild her confidence and envision a different life. The organization also supported her to formalize her marriage legally, creating a stable and dignified family environment.
Her testimony stands as a powerful example of how compassion, counselling, and opportunity can transform a life.
Another woman, once living on the streets, successfully rebuilt her life, got married, and established a stable home with support from CAM–RWANDA and a dedicated sponsor. Her journey continues to inspire others.
Rebuilding peace within families
Family conflict remains a pressing but often unspoken challenge in vulnerable communities. CAM–RWANDA works to mediate disputes, provide counselling, and restore communication within families. Couples who had lived together without legal recognition are supported to formalize their unions, strengthening stability and peace in their homes.
“When families live in harmony, children grow better, and communities thrive,” the organization emphasizes.
Connecting children to sponsors abroad
CAM–RWANDA also runs a sponsorship program linking vulnerable children in Rulindo with supporters in the United Kingdom. Sponsors help provide educational materials, school necessities, and other basic needs. The Sponsorship Officer regularly visits families, monitors children’s progress, and prepares detailed reports to keep sponsors engaged and informed.
These connections, though simple, can redefine a child’s future.
CAM–RWANDA provides childcare for babies at Jyejuru Kibondo Early Childhood Centre, and connect them sponsors abroad
Quiet work, powerful change
CAM–RWANDA may not dominate news headlines or social media feeds, but its consistent, heartfelt work is restoring dignity and hope to hundreds of people in Shyorongi. Through training, counselling, and compassionate support, the organization is proving that meaningful change often happens quietly, one family, one mother, one child at a time.
Author: Joyeuse Noella Izabayo