Continuing our series of articles from our Annual Report 2025/26, we outline here our work on our Education and Shelter work.
Education
Education is a fundamental right that enables people to break the cycle of deprivation and poverty. Survivors Fund (SURF) supports access to university education to 10 students, and funding for school materials for a further 22 students, being brought up by genocide widows through funding by individual donors, Good Gifts and the Reaching Rwanda project.
In addition, through funding principally from INSPIRE!africa 17 young people in 2025 completed Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes in barista skills, culinary arts, hairdressing, tailoring, and auto mechanics. These programmes provide not only employable skills but also emotional healing, community belonging, and renewed purpose. To date, of the 17 graduates, 11 graduates have secured employment, while others are starting small businesses and supporting their families.
Josiane, Culinary arts graduate *
“I grew up in a poor family where school was a dream. After high school, I felt hopeless because I couldn’t continue my studies. Survivors Fund (SURF) changed that. I joined the Culinary Arts program at Esther’s Aid School – something I had dreamed of since childhood. After my internship, a hotel in Kigali hired me along with two classmates. I now earn 200,000 Rwf (approximately £100) a month and can support my family. I’m deeply thankful and pray that more young survivors can receive this opportunity. It changes lives.”
Shelter
A home is a safe place to be for most people. Many survivors lost their homes during the genocide, many received houses from government and NGOs after the genocide. Nearly 30 years after the genocide, many of the houses are now dilapidated and in dire need of renovation.
In order to rebuild a sense of dignity and to provide a peaceful environment that enables survivors to deal with their day-to-day needs, during the year Survivors Fund (SURF) renovated 3 houses for widows and youth-headed households with support from INSPIRE!africa and our Reaching Rwanda project.
Anathanaise *
“I have waited for a new house for over 15 years. Many times, I went to the district office to ask for help, but I was always told to wait. My house was falling apart, and I was afraid it would collapse while I slept. Today, I finally have a safe place to live. I can sleep peacefully for the first time in many years. I thank God and those who made this miracle possible.”