Continuing our series of articles from our Annual Report 2025/26, we outline here our work on our Good Gifts Initiative.
Through funding from the Good Gifts, an initiative of the Charities Advisory Trust, we have extended our support to thousands of widows and orphans that are beneficiaries of our ongoing livelihoods program, enabling them to become more independent and self-sufficient. Good Gifts make a great Christmas present, so if you any of the gifts below appeal then please do consider making a purchase of a Good Gift for a family member or friend in the lead up to the festive season!
Survivors Fund (SURF) aims to alleviate the impact of poverty on vulnerable survivors by strengthening their families to secure viable livelihoods. The funding from Good Gifts helps to set up income generating projects which empower communities to fight poverty and take more active role in determining their lives.
Many survivors have been supported, receiving livestock, agricultural materials, solar lights and cookers, meals for schoolchildren and much more. The support from Good Gifts has played a significant role in enabling us to empower vulnerable survivors and their dependents. The livelihoods programme has helped beneficiaries to improve their lives. For example, those that have received solar lights and clean cookstoves are making savings for their households as they are no longer spending on kerosene, as well as saving time used to collect firewood. For that support they, and we, are greatly appreciative.
Amongst the gifts we have donated this year are:
Access to light is more than a basic need – it is a source of dignity, safety, and hope. For many genocide survivors living in remote areas without electricity, nightfall often brings isolation, insecurity, and hardship. Without light, children cannot study, families struggle to function after sunset, and survivors – especially those living alone – face fear and vulnerability in the dark.
Thanks to the generous support of Good Gifts, forty survivors in Kamonyi District have received solar lights, bringing brightness and comfort into their homes. While Rwanda continues to expand access to electricity, many families in rural areas remain unconnected due to distance and cost. Solar energy provides a sustainable and affordable solution that immediately transforms lives.
Beyond illumination, these solar lights enhance safety, reduce the risk of accidents and gender-based violence, and allow survivors to carry out small income-generating activities in the evenings. They also promote environmental protection and economic savings by reducing reliance on kerosene and firewood.
Immaculate, one of the recipients, expressed her gratitude: “My heart is full of joy. My neigh-bours and I have waited years for electricity, but the distance and cost made it impossible. This solar light means so much – it helps my children study, allows us to charge our phones, and saves us money. Before, I used to walk two hours just to charge my phone. This is life changing.”
For these survivors, light has become a symbol of renewal – restoring dignity, safety, and the confidence to look forward with hope.
Cooking is a daily act of care, but for many survivors, it has long been associated with struggle – smoke-filled homes, scarce firewood, and long hours spent gathering fuel.
Through the support of Good Gifts, forty-five survivors in Kamonyi District received improved cooking stoves that are transforming their wellbeing. These stoves reduce harmful smoke, use less fuel, and make cooking faster, safer, and more affordable.
Jeanette, one of the beneficiaries, shared: “We are so happy to receive these stoves. Most people in rural areas still cook using the traditional three stones, which require a lot of firewood. Firewood is now expensive and hard to find. These new stoves use less charcoal and are safer for our families. I am deeply grateful.”
The improved stoves not only protect health and the environment but also free up time for survivors – especially elderly women and widows – to focus on other income-generating activities. They are a practical and compassionate solution that promotes health, dignity, and sustainability.
No girl should miss school because of her period. Yet, for many young girls in rural Rwanda, this remains a painful reality.
With support from Good Gifts, fifty girls from Nyirarukobwa Primary School received sanitary pads to help them continue their studies without interruption or embarrassment. The school’s head teacher explained: “Some of our girls from poor families miss school during their periods. This support ensures they can attend classes confidently and focus on learning.”
Access to menstrual products restores dignity, protects health, and promotes equality. It allows girls to stay in school, perform better, and believe in their potential. Supporting them in this way is an investment not just in their education, but in their future and the future of their communities.
Education remains the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty, yet many children in rural areas attend school without even the most basic supplies.
Through Good Gifts support, one hundred students at Nyirarukobwa Primary School received school materials such as books, pens, and bags.
Mr. Kalisa, the head teacher at the school, shared: “Our students come from very poor families. Some walk long distances barefoot, and others use one notebook for all subjects. These materials will make a real difference – they will help them study better and feel proud to come to school.”
Having proper school materials boosts motivation and confidence. It creates equal learning opportunities and eases the financial burden on families. Each child who walks into class prepared and proud is a step closer to a brighter future.
Agriculture offers both livelihood and healing. With the support of Good Gifts, several survivors have been able to start or expand carrot farming projects, receiving seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural training.
Julienne, one of the beneficiaries, shared: “Before, I grew only a small patch of carrots. Now, with the seeds and training I received, I’ve expanded my garden. I expect to earn over 400,000 Rwf (£200) from this harvest – four times what I earned before.”
Carrots not only generate income but also provide essential nutrients for survivors’ families. Farming helps them rebuild confidence, regain purpose, and reconnect with their communities. Tending the soil and watching it yield results brings healing to hearts and homes.
Bananas are central to Rwandan life and an important source of food and income. With the support of Good Gifts, survivors have revitalized banana plantations, helping them improve food security and generate steady income.
Theogene from Rwamagana District shared: “Before receiving this support, my bananas were only for family consumption. Now, I sell some at the market and earn about 10,000 Rwf (£5) every week. I’ve even started renovating my house. This support has changed my life.”
Banana farming provides more than income – it promotes independence, food security, and community rebuilding. It enables survivors to stand on their own feet and look to the future with renewed hope.
In Musanze District, survivors supported by Good Gifts are finding new strength through on-ion farming. With quality seeds and agricultural training, their productivity and incomes have grown dramatically.
Chantal shared proudly: “Before, I harvested only 100 kilograms of onions. Now, with this support, I produce 500 kilograms earning 1.5 million Rwf (£750) every harvest. I can now feed my family, pay school fees, and even afford health insurance.”
Onion farming not only boosts income but also helps survivors regain a sense of pride and belonging. Working together in farming cooperatives provides connection, healing, and hope—key ingredients for rebuilding life after loss.
Access to clean water is a fundamental human right. In Bugesera District, where water shortages are frequent, the installation of a water tank at Nyirarukobwa Primary School has brought re-lief and joy to hundreds of students and teachers.
The tank provides a reliable supply of clean water for drinking, hygiene, and sanitation – im-proving health and learning conditions. It has reduced the burden on students, especially girls, who used to spend hours fetching water instead of attending class.
Now, the school community enjoys a cleaner and healthier environment, where children can learn, thrive, and dream without interruption.