In Rwanda’s Southern Province, particularly in Nyaruguru and Gisagara districts, poverty was once a daily reality—marked by food insecurity, children unable to attend school, and families struggling to survive one day at a time.
Over three years, that reality has been transformed through the FXBVillage / The Light Foundation programme, which supported 1,600 families to build sustainable livelihoods and exit extreme poverty.
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From Survival to Self-Reliance
For many beneficiaries, the change is best captured through lived experience. Families that once struggled to survive now describe stability, dignity, and renewed hope. The programme’s holistic approach combined economic empowerment, education, health, and social support, enabling households to move from dependence to self-reliance.
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Testimony of Transformation
One powerful example comes from Anastase Gatana, a father of six in Nyaruguru District. He shared:
“My life was completely broken. I was drinking heavily, treating my wife badly, and my family was falling apart. My children were not going to school, my house was falling down, and I had no hope…”
Through the programme, Gatana and his family rebuilt their lives, with his children returning to school and his household regaining stability. His story reflects the broader impact of FXBVillage / The Light Foundation in restoring dignity and opportunity to vulnerable families.
Broader Impact
This initiative demonstrates how targeted interventions can break cycles of poverty. By addressing immediate needs while building long-term resilience, FXBVillage / The Light Foundation has helped communities in Rwanda’s Southern Province move toward sustainable development. The success of these 1,600 families highlights the potential of community-driven programmes to transform lives and inspire hope.
