Rwanda: Grassroots organizing is drawing attention of faith and government officials

Thirty grassroots leaders gathered for their second national leadership development session at the end of June to develop skills to expand their organizing efforts into new communities. Faith and government leaders provided testimony about the success of this organizing approach.

Anglican Pastor Thomas Havanakize from Mumeya reported that new grassroots leader-organizers helped rally the community in building a new school that will open this fall for 300 students who did not have classrooms. “We reached out to organizers to help us identify resources and linked us to local authorities. As a result, the community built the first three classrooms in just four weeks!”

Meanwhile, local political leader, Odette Uwizerwa, said that her collaboration with Mumya organizing leaders Specioza, Pauline and Ezra helped her succeed in combating illegal drug trade across the Tanzania and Burundi border. “These organizers have been so supportive of me. Their organizing skills and experience helped me organize security and embrace positive change we want to see.”