Why are water projects in Rwanda important?
The beautiful country of Rwanda is home to about 12.5 million people. UNICEF estimates that only 57% of those people have access to clean drinking water within a 30-minute walk of their home. Along with that, only 64% have access to sanitation services like toilets and only 5% of households have a place for handwashing.1 This is why water projects in Rwanda are essential.
While the poverty rate declined from 77% in 2001 to 55% in 2017, there has been a major setback from COVID-19. The poverty rate is likely to increase, perhaps by 5.1% in 2021, due to limited health care and losses in education.2 Due to these poverty rates, we know that water projects in Rwanda are needed to help break the poverty cycle and relieve pressure on the people.
GFA World recently began working in Rwanda, specifically in the slums of Kigali, the capital city. Since Rwanda is one of the most densely populated African nations, we have many projects planned throughout the area. The initiative in Kigali is the first of many, but each project will have the same purpose and vision—to meet the tangible needs of the people and show the love of God to those who need it most.
GFA World is equipped with 40 years of experience, and that will be valuable as we begin training national missionaries, launch clean water projects, begin medical ministry, start educational programs for the underprivileged, unveil women’s programs and introduce community development initiatives. We aim to empower the poor to break free from the cycle of poverty.
The people of Rwanda are thirsty for help and GFA World is committed to training national missionaries there to meet the tangible needs of the people and share the love of God. Through a variety of programs, these trained local workers will be provided with the resources necessary to provide clean water, literacy training, nutritious food, and other support to those who need it most.
1 https://www.unicef.org/rwanda/water-sanitation-and-hygiene
2 https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/rwanda/overview#:~:text=Measured%20by%20the%20national%20poverty,1990s%20to%20290%20in%202019.