World Vision, a global Christian humanitarian, development, and advocacy organisation, on September 16, closed the Maraba Area Programme (AP) in Huye District after 17 years of operation. Since October 2007, the programme has worked with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice, serving all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

The Maraba AP operated in Maraba and Kigoma sectors, reaching 14 cells and 90 villages. Its work focused on the most vulnerable groups, especially children, women, and people with disabilities, while implementing projects in education, health and nutrition, HIV prevention, peacebuilding and reconciliation, child sponsorship, and economic development.

These interventions brought life-changing impact, strengthening families and enabling communities to build a better future for their children, according to officials.

The closure was marked by a community celebration attended by local leaders, government officials, World Vision staff, and residents who presented some of what they&039;ve been able to achieve.

Officials noted that it was not only the end of a programme but also a recognition of 17 years of partnership, transformation, and resilience since the community now moves forward with stronger structures, greater opportunities, and a foundation of hope that will endure beyond the programme’s presence.

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Maraba Area Programme achievements

The Maraba AP transformed the well-being of children and families in Huye District through partnerships with local government, health facilities, schools, churches, and community groups, according to Seba Osée, the Ishema Cluster Programme Manager, based in Maraba Sector.

Seba further mentioned that only 31 per cent of households had clean water in the Maraba Area Programme 17 years ago, but today 88.1 per cent of families drink clean water at home in this sector, which was achieved through a partnership and co-funding with Huye district.

He further stated that only 47 per cent of households had a source of income in this area, but today, over 83 per cent of families are earning, saving, and investing in their children’s future. Women and men alike now carry not just hope, but financial resilience. Off-farm businesses and entrepreneurship skills strengthened household resilience and reduced dependency.

Impact on children’s well-being: children now have access to better nutrition, healthcare, clean water, and quality education. Parents and communities are empowered through mindset change, self-reliance, and shared responsibility.

"It is the story of how a community that once carried heavy burdens has risen to stand tall, with hope in its eyes and strength in its hands.”

Pauline Okumu, the National Director for World Vision Rwanda, called upon the community leaders and residents to sustain the gains of what has been achieved through World Vision’s collaboration, in order not to let the children return to the vulnerabilities of the past.

She further urged the community members to continue the saving culture, so that their children grow up in households where poverty is broken, and take advantage of initiatives like WASH financing to bring water into every household.

The National Director also noted that the 17-year timeline is the celebration of courage, resilience, and transformation.

"These numbers are powerful, but behind every number is a story,” she said.

"The story of a mother who no longer has to choose between buying food and paying for health insurance. The story of a father who can now send his child to school with dignity. The story of a young girl who once would have been married early, but today walks proudly with her books in hand, knowing she has a chance to become a teacher, a doctor, or a leader.”

"The foundation has been laid. The tools are in your hands. The responsibility is now yours to protect, to nurture, and to build upon this legacy. Sustain the gains, continue the saving culture,” Okumu added.

Ange Sebutege, Mayor of Huye District, thanked the key role World Vision played over a decade and reiterated that development is possible, emphasising that it’s time to walk the footprint and embrace resilience.

"Some of you have taken vocational courses and later created your own employment. We commend your efforts. You can now earn a living each day. You are the vision of this country, and that is where the focus is being directed. The market, agriculture, farming, terraces, and other initiatives, let them be productive, and may you enjoy the fruits of your good choices,” he noted.

Sebutege urged them to rethink and learn how to walk independently, reminding them that everything has its end, but what they have achieved should be a booster for their future endeavours.

Sylvan Munyeshyaka, a father of four from Karambi Village in Kigoma Sector, joined World Vision programmes in 2019 with little knowledge of farming. Later, he attended the Hinduka Wigire training, which focused on mindset, behavioural, and economic transformation. As a result, he joined three savings groups, Mutuelle de Santé, development, and general savings, where he manages to save up to Rwf 8,000 weekly.

Area programmes are a World Vision approach to carry out the long-term (10-15 years) transformational development programmes in the communities(sectors) where we work. World Vision works with the poor, vulnerable, and its partners in specific, defined, targeted geographical locations to

address micro and macro poverty issues in several sectors, including WASH, Health and nutrition, Child protection & education, Resilience and Livelihoods, among others.