Meet the Rusayo Pentecostal Church

Rusayo Pentecostal Church is one of many churches in World Relief’s Musanze Church Empowerment Zone (CEZ) in Rwanda. Thanks to training from World Relief, faith leaders and community members learned how to create a protective environment for children, especially the most vulnerable. Mothers and fathers improved their parenting skills – reducing physical abuse and keeping children in school rather than tending to domestic chores so they have access to a better future.

After the training, one church leader, Pastor Calliope, and his team began to notice that there were many single mothers in their community whose children would benefit from church support. Pastor Calliope then created a ministry called “Umwana ni nk’undi,” meaning “A kid is like another.” This ministry supports and advocates for abused children and empowers mothers by bringing them together, offering parenting trainings, and encouraging them to join savings groups so they can start small businesses. 

Twenty-six mothers were invited to join “Umwana ni nk’undi”, and all 26 agreed to form a savings group together. The mothers also support each other in planting vegetable gardens to improve their children’s nutrition. These women are very grateful for these opportunities, and they have hope that their children’s futures will be bright.