As the Association of Pentecostal Churches in Rwanda (ADEPR) marks 85 years since its establishment, church leaders say its legacy extends far beyond spiritual growth to include education, health, social cohesion and economic empowerment. Founded in 1940 by Swedish missionaries, ADEPR established its first church in Rusizi District. From those humble beginnings, the church has grown into one of Rwanda’s largest religious institutions, with a wide-reaching social footprint across the country. Speaking during a press conference on December 14, ahead of anniversary celebrations scheduled for December 20 at Dove Hotel, ADEPR’s headquarters, Senior Pastor Isaie Ndayizeye said the church’s interventions have significantly improved the wellbeing of many Rwandans. ALSO READ: ADEPR rallies youth against genocide ideology “Through our teachings and community engagement, we have seen families transformed, including households where excessive alcohol consumption had destroyed family life,” Ndayizeye said. Education as a pillar of development Education remains one of ADEPR’s core areas of focus. The church currently runs 316 schools nationwide, ranging from pre-primary to secondary institutions, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres. These schools serve more than 153,000 students and employ over 4,700 teachers and administrators. “Education is a key driver of development. While history denied many older people the opportunity to study, we focused on supporting younger generations and adults who missed formal schooling,” Ndayizeye said. ALSO READ: ADEPR hosts International Meeting, advocates for quality Christian education towards Africa 2050 Vision Through adult education programmes conducted in churches over six to eight months, ADEPR has equipped nearly one million people with basic literacy and practical skills. “To date, 998,714 people have benefited from adult education. This has opened doors to employment and self-reliance,” he added. Currently, about 1,000 adult education centres are operational across the country, with 11,715 active learners, including 4,137 women. The programme has received recognition from institutions such as UNESCO. Health, savings and social protection Over the past three years, ADEPR has supported 114,992 households with community-based health insurance. The church also established the Ubuzima Bwiza Foundation, an insurance initiative that now provides medical cover to more than 1,000 beneficiaries. “The church has also promoted a culture of savings through community workers who encourage members to save individually and collectively, while linking them to national schemes such as Ejo Heza,” Ndayizeye said. ALSO READ: FEATURED: Over 28,000 needy students get scholarships from ADEPR In addition, campaigns against drug abuse have helped more than 5,000 people overcome addiction, according to church officials. Investments and job creation ADEPR has invested in income-generating ventures to sustain its social programmes and create employment. These include Dove Hotel and other hospitality facilities, which employ Rwandans beyond the church’s membership. The church has also developed a technology-based platform to streamline certification processes and reduce administrative delays, alongside plans to formalise online-based church services. On inclusion, ADEPR has expanded women’s participation in leadership. By the end of this year, about 500 new pastors are expected to be ordained, with women accounting for 33 per cent. The church currently supports 32,000 children with school fees, while five per cent of income from church investments is allocated to social support initiatives, complementing members’ contributions. Healing and reconciliation after the Genocide against the Tutsi Church leaders highlighted ADEPR’s role in post-genocide healing and reconciliation. In partnership with the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (Minubumwe), the church has supported initiatives encouraging genocide convicts to seek forgiveness and engage in dialogue with survivors. ADEPR also revoked pastoral titles from genocide convicts who fled the country. “Today, our pastors are encouraged to preach faith alongside messages of peace, unity and wellbeing,” Ndayizeye said. Philbert Rutagengwa, chairperson of Dove Investment, ADEPR’s investment arm, said the institution has expanded significantly since 2022 and now oversees seven subsidiaries. “In line with the National Strategy for Transformation, which prioritises the hospitality sector, we invested accordingly,” Rutagengwa said. Dove Investment operates two three-star hotels in Kigali and Gicumbi, guest houses in Rubavu and Karongi, and training facilities in Muhanga and Kigali. The group has also invested in a general supplies company serving offices and institutions. The investment arm records an average annual income of Rwf2 billion and employs more than 130 people nationwide. Rutagengwa added that plans are underway to construct a stadium next year to support youth development, including an academy and gym facilities. Another major project involves refurbishing the Gihundwe guest house at an estimated cost of Rwf700 million. Associate Senior Pastor Eugene Rutagarama said ADEPR is restructuring its churches to comply with Rwanda Governance Board requirements. “Out of 3,141 ADEPR churches, 970 are currently operational. About 1,900 are in the process of meeting regulatory requirements, while 1,150 churches, representing 37 per cent, were merged to strengthen compliance,” he said. So far, 27 churches have fully met the requirements and received certification. Elizabeth Uwanyirigira, a health professional and church member, said ADEPR is addressing early pregnancies through spiritual teachings, collaboration with government programmes and planned educational content on the church’s forthcoming television platform. For those already affected, the church provides counselling, capacity building and empowerment programmes, particularly targeting women and adults. Future plans Pastor Herman Budigiri, ADEPR’s Executive Director, said the church’s five-year strategic plan includes investing in new infrastructure and establishing a university offering theology and other academic programmes. Meanwhile, Andre Rurangangabo, Executive Secretary of Ubuzima Bwiza Foundation, said the insurance scheme initially served Dove Hotel employees before expanding. “Currently, the fund provides Rwf3 million to families of deceased members and Rwf1.5 million for the funeral of a member’s spouse. It works with 623 public and private health facilities and pharmacies,” he said. The fund’s value has grown from Rwf500 million to Rwf1.6 billion, with a target of reaching Rwf3 billion. Expansion plans have been approved by church leadership and submitted to the central bank for authorisation.
