SACOLA Marks Liberation Day with Gift of New Beginnings in Kinigi

Musanze District, Kinigi Sector, Ndabaruhuye — July 4, 2026

By Damien NKUBANA

As Rwanda celebrated the 32nd Liberation Day, the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA) chose to mark the occasion not only with words, but with action — bringing hope and dignity to families beginning a new chapter of life in the shadow of the Volcanoes National Park.

In a moving ceremony held in Ndabaruhuye, Kinigi Sector, SACOLA handed over newly constructed shelters — each complete with a kitchen, toilet, and rainwater harvesting tank — along with furniture, food supplies, and start-up capital to support families as they rebuild their lives. The organization also extended access to clean water for the wider community, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to the wellbeing of people living around Volcanoes National Park.

A Homecoming Rooted in Liberation

The beneficiaries of this initiative share a story that resonates deeply with the meaning of Liberation Day itself: individuals who had been misled and taken into the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo have now returned home and been welcomed back into society. Their reintegration reflects the same spirit of freedom, unity, and renewal that Rwanda commemorates each July 4th — a reminder that liberation is not only a historic event, but an ongoing commitment to leaving no one behind.

By providing safe housing, basic amenities, and the means to earn a livelihood, SACOLA is helping these families transition from uncertainty to stability, and from the margins back into the heart of their community.

Leadership and Local Partnership

The handover ceremony was led by Pierre Celestin NSENGIYUMVA, SACOLA Chairperson, together with the Executive Secretary of Kinigi Sector, underscoring the strong partnership between SACOLA and local government in supporting vulnerable households. Their joint presence reflected a shared vision: that conservation and community development must go hand in hand with compassion for every member of society.

Living Out SACOLA's Mission

Since its founding, SACOLA has worked at the intersection of conservation and community wellbeing in the areas surrounding Volcanoes National Park, channeling tourism revenue and partnerships into infrastructure, livelihoods, and social support for the people of Musanze District. This latest initiative — offering shelter, water, food, furniture, and capital in one coordinated act of solidarity — stands as one of the clearest expressions yet of that mission.

As Rwanda reflects on three decades of liberation and rebuilding, SACOLA's gesture in Ndabaruhuye is a powerful local testament to what that freedom means in practice: a home, clean water, a fresh start, and a community ready to welcome its own back with open arms.

SACOLA — Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association — continues its work in Kinigi and Nyange Sectors, Musanze District, supporting communities living alongside Volcanoes National Park through conservation and livelihood initiatives.

Pierre Celestin nsengiyumva, chairperson addressing the participants

Small Contributions, Big Impact: Inside a Women-Led Movement in Nyange

By Golboo Pourabdollahiam - Volunteer

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting one of the community-led initiatives supported by SACOLA in Nyange Sector. What I encountered was not just a project but a powerful demonstration of resilience, solidarity, and grassroots leadership led by women determined to reshape their futures.

This initiative began in 2020, when a group of women in Nyange many of them single mothers, came together to confront a shared reality: limited access to financial resources in moments of urgent need. Without waiting for external solutions, they created their own. Each week, they contributed a small amount of money into a collective savings pool. Once the fund reached a sufficient level, it was lent to one member at a time, based on need and agreed criteria. It was simple, but profoundly effective. It was a model rooted in trust, accountability, and mutual support.

In 2023, SACOLA stepped in to strengthen this already impactful initiative by providing an annual contribution of 5 million Rwandan Francs to each group. Today, the project has grown to include 335 women across Nyange and Kinigi. Organized into structured groups of 25 members, each group operates with clear roles—a president, a secretary, and an accountant—ensuring transparency and ownership at every level.

Every Friday, these women gather at the center of their village. The meetings are both practical and symbolic: a space where financial contributions are made, loans are repaid, records are updated, and decisions are collectively discussed. Each woman holds her own account notebook, carefully maintained by the group’s accountant.

The loans provided through this system are not abstract financial tools; they are lifelines. Women use them to pay school fees, invest in livestock, or start small businesses such as purchasing sewing machines or motorbikes that generate income. In many cases, these women are the primary providers for their families, making the impact of this initiative ripple far beyond the individual.

And yet, despite its success, challenges remain. The demand for loans often exceeds the available funds, creating waiting lists and difficult decisions. At times, a woman in urgent need must wait because the savings pool has been exhausted. The limitations also restrict the group’s ability to think bigger and projects like leasing land for farming remain out of reach due to insufficient capital.

Still, what stands out most is not the scarcity, but the strength. The women of Nyange and Kinigi are not defined by the challenges they face, but by the solutions they create. Their initiative is a testament to what happens when communities are empowered to lead their own development and when support does not replace local effort, but amplifies it.

SACOLA’s commitment to this initiative reflects a belief in that very principle. By continuing to invest in these groups, the organization is helping unlock potential that already exists within the community. The vision ahead is ambitious: to expand this model and reach 3,000 women, extending the same opportunity for financial independence and collective growth.

Walking away from Nyange, one thing felt certain: this is not just a project worth supporting—it is a model worth learning from.

A Place to Begin: How a Community in Kinigi is Shaping Brighter Futures for Its Youngest Members

By Golboo Pourabdollahiam - Volunteer

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting the Volcanoes Valley Community-Based Early Childhood Development (ECD) center in Kinigi and what I witnessed was far more than a nursery. It was a living example of what happens when a community comes together with purpose, care, and vision.

This center, which opened just a month and a half ago in March 2026, welcomes children between the ages of two and five. At first glance, it is a cheerful and safe space filled with laughter, play, and color. But behind this vibrant environment lies a powerful story of initiative, collaboration, and hope.

The project was born from the determination of five women in the Kinigi area. Recognizing the daily struggles of working mothers, many of whom leave early in the morning to work in the fields and return late in the day, they identified a critical gap: the lack of a safe and supportive place for young children during working hours. For many mothers, the only options were to carry their children on their backs throughout long hours of labor, risking health issues, or leave them alone at home.

They chose to act.

With the support of the indigenous community, who generously provided the building, the idea became reality. Today, the center stands as a shared space, run through the joint efforts of local and indigenous communities. Volunteers from both groups dedicate their time and energy to caring for the children, ensuring they are not only safe but also nurtured.

Inside, children engage in playful learning, painting, interacting, and exploring the world around them in a structured yet joyful environment. They are also provided with meals, adding another layer of support for families. Currently, the center serves 17 children, with plans to expand to 100 by September. This is a clear indication of both the demand and the trust the community is placing in this initiative.

But the impact of this center goes far beyond childcare. As Diane, the supervisor of the ECD center, shared, one of their core missions is to support indigenous children from a very early age. Experience has shown that engaging children in education becomes increasingly difficult as they grow older, particularly for those who have not been exposed to structured learning environments early on. By starting at the age of two, the center is laying a strong foundation, one that can ease their transition into primary school and inspire a lifelong engagement with education.

This is where the true strength of the project lies. It is not just about education. It is about inclusion, early intervention, and equal opportunity. It is about creating a future where every child, regardless of background, has a fair chance to learn, grow, and thrive.

What makes this initiative truly remarkable is the spirit of collaboration behind it. The partnership between the local Kinigi community and the indigenous community is not just functional but it is deeply symbolic. It reflects mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a collective commitment to improving lives. They are not working in parallel; they are working hand in hand.

This is an example of community empowerment at its finest. The Volcanoes Valley ECD center is more than a project. It is a model. A model of how grassroots initiatives, driven by local insight and strengthened through collaboration, can create meaningful and lasting change.

As we look for solutions to complex social challenges, perhaps the answer is already here: in communities that come together, identify their needs, and build their own paths forward. Here is where the role of SACOLA as a lead player to support and empower the local community is essential. SACOLA is happy to provide support to this impressive initiative and other similar projects.

⚽️ Kwita Izina 2025 – Raising Awareness Through Sports!

As part of the Kwita Izina 2025 celebrations, SACOLA, in partnership with @RDB, @Northern Province, @Musanze District, and the Kinigi and Nyange sectors, proudly sponsored a Kwita Izina Awareness Campaign through a soccer competition held across Musanze, Burera, Nyabihu, and Rubavu districts.
On 15th August, 2025, the campaign kicked off with an exciting opening match between Team RDB/SACOLA and Musanze District, hosted at the Kinigi playing ground, a facility proudly built by SACOLA. The match ended in a 4-1 victory for Team RDB/SACOLA! 🎉👏
This event reflects our ongoing commitment to community engagement and conservation awareness through inclusive and empowering activities.
hashtag#KwitaIzina2025 hashtag#SACOLA hashtag#RDB hashtag#CommunityEngagement hashtag#ConservationThroughSport hashtag#Musanze hashtag#NorthernProvince hashtag#Rwanda hashtag#VolcanoesNP

📅 SACOLA GENERAL ASSEMBLEE MEETING

On August 14th, 2025, SACOLA held its General Assembly at St. Vincent Home in Musanze.
The meeting brought together SACOLA members to vote on the 2025–2026 Action Plan and Budget, marking an important step in advancing our community-led conservation and development goals.
We extend our appreciation to our key partners and stakeholders for their continued support:
🤝 IUCN, IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Musanze District, TerraTalent, and African Wildlife Foundation.
Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future for the communities around Volcanoes National Park. 🌱🌍

SACOLA and SINGITA Hand Over Two Homes to Genocide against Tutsi Survivors in Musanze

In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity and community support, SACOLA, in partnership with SINGITA, has today officially handed over two newly built houses to DUSENGIMANA Louise and MUKANOHELI Jacqueline, both residents of Rugarama Village, Cyivugiza Cell, Nyange Sector, Musanze District.

As survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, these two women have endured unimaginable hardships. Their resilience and strength were met today with a powerful sign of compassion and support—safe, decent homes they can now proudly call their own.

This initiative is part of SACOLA and SINGITA’s ongoing commitment to improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities in Rwanda. “This is more than just shelter. It is about dignity, healing, and hope,” said a SACOLA representative during the handover ceremony.

Both beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for this transformative support. “We are deeply honored and thankful. These houses mean stability and a new beginning,” said DUSENGIMANA Louise.

By focusing on meaningful, community-based impact, SACOLA and SINGITA continue to strengthen local development and contribute to national efforts toward healing and sustainable growth.

SACOLA General Assembly and Culinary Arts Graduation Ceremony

SACOLA General Assembly and Culinary Arts Graduation Ceremony — March 25, 2026

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, SACOLA members gathered at the Centre de Pastoral Notre Dame de Fatima for their General Assembly. The meeting provided an opportunity to review activities accomplished in line with the organization's annual plan, assess progress made, and develop strategies for the remaining initiatives to be completed before the end of the fiscal year.

Following the assembly, members proceeded to the MIPC to take part in the graduation ceremony of 30 students who successfully completed a six-month training program in Culinary Arts, supported by SACOLA. The event celebrated not only the graduates’ achievements but also the commitment of SACOLA and its partners to empowering youth through practical skills development. Parents of the graduates joined the celebration, adding warmth and encouragement to the occasion.

This milestone reinforces SACOLA’s ongoing mission to support community development through education, capacity building, and sustainable livelihood initiatives.

20 KWITA IZINA Awareness campaign by SACOLA

As part of preparations for the 20th Kwita Izina, on the 29th the football tournament organized in partnership by RDB, SACOLA, and the districts of Musanze, Burera, Nyabihu, and Rubavu came to an end.
The final match brought together Musanze District and Rubavu District, with Rubavu winning the trophy after defeating Musanze by one goal to nil.

SACOLA Joins IUCN: A New Chapter in Conservation

We are proud to announce that the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA) has officially become a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as of February 2025. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter in our journey to support conservation and sustainable livelihoods in the Volcanoes National Park region and beyond.

The IUCN is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, comprising more than 1,400 government and civil society organizations, along with the expertise of over 17,000 scientists and conservation professionals. It is a global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. Being part of this unique Union will strengthen SACOLA’s ability to contribute to regional and global conservation efforts, while deepening our commitment to community-led sustainable development.

In recognition of our growing role in conservation, SACOLA has been honored with an invitation to participate in the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress, to be held in Abu Dhabi, from 9-15 October, 2025. The theme of this Congress, "Powering transformative conservation", resonates deeply with SACOLA’s mission to improve community well-being while protecting natural ecosystems. This international platform will give us the opportunity to share our experience, learn from others, and build new partnerships that enhance both environmental and community resilience.

As we move forward with renewed purpose and global collaboration, SACOLA remains dedicated to empowering communities, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring a future where people and nature thrive together.

Stay tuned for more updates on our participation in the IUCN World Conservation Congress and upcoming initiatives inspired by our new membership.

SACOLA Participates in the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abu Dhabi, UAE – October 9-15, 2025

The Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA), a proud member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is honored to participate in the IUCN World Conservation Congress taking place from 9th to 15th October 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The prestigious event is hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) and gathers over 10,000 participants from more than 160 countries, reaffirming its position as the world’s leading forum on global conservation and sustainable development.

The SACOLA delegation is led by Chairperson Pierre Celestin NSENGIYUMVA, who is representing the organization in high-level discussions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at advancing community-based conservation models and sustainable livelihoods.

Purpose of the Gathering

The IUCN World Conservation Congress is a unique platform that brings together governments, civil society, Indigenous peoples, scientists, and businesses to shape the future of conservation. Under the 2025 theme, "Transformative Conservation: Global Partnerships for Global Impact", the Congress emphasizes collaborative approaches to protect nature, combat biodiversity loss, and address climate change in a rapidly changing world.

Importance of SACOLA’s Participation

SACOLA's presence at this global event reflects its unwavering commitment to conservation and sustainable development in the Volcanoes National Park region of Rwanda. As a recognized IUCN member, SACOLA contributes a grassroots perspective to global conservation efforts—showcasing how empowering local communities through eco-tourism and conservation-led initiatives can lead to sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem protection.

By participating in the Congress, SACOLA seeks to:

• Strengthen global partnerships and networks for conservation.

• Share its success stories from Rwanda on community engagement and sustainable tourism.

• Learn from other organizations and integrate innovative approaches into its conservation programs.

• Contribute to shaping international conservation policies that recognize the value of community-led efforts.

A Global Stage for a Local Voice

The IUCN Congress offers SACOLA a vital opportunity to voice the concerns and successes of communities living around protected areas. As the world increasingly recognizes the importance of inclusive and community-based conservation, SACOLA’s experience stands as a model for balancing ecological preservation with socio-economic development.

SACOLA remains committed to the principles of transformative conservation and looks forward to strengthening its role in the global conservation movement through active engagement at this world-renowned Congress.

For more updates on SACOLA’s activities at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, follow us on our official website and social media platforms.

Réseau francophone de l’UICN pour la biodiversité : Unir nos voix, renforcer notre action, Abu Dhabi, 12 octobre 2025.

Le 12 Octobre 2025, à Abu Dhabi, la délégation SACOLA a participé au lancement officiel du Programme de Petites Initiatives (PPI) de l’UICN-Francophone, une étape majeure pour les acteurs francophones de la conservation de la nature. Cet événement a marqué la création d’un Réseau francophone de l’UICN pour la biodiversité.

Ce réseau francophone affirme que la francophonie est une force d’action collective, capable de contribuer de manière significative à un avenir durable pour les peuples et la planète. Le mot d’ordre lancé à Abu Dhabi :
« Unir nos voix, renforcer notre action ».

SACOLA members general assembly

SACOLA General Assembly – March 27, 2025

On March 27, 2025, SACOLA members convened for the annual General Assembly to review our progress, discuss future initiatives, and strengthen our collective commitment to conservation and community development.

We were honored to welcome distinguished guests from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), including officials responsible for the management of Rwanda’s national parks. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between local communities and national institutions in protecting our natural heritage.

The meeting was a valuable opportunity to reflect on achievements, share ideas, and reaffirm our shared vision for sustainable development in the region.

SACOLA and terratalent (Germany) partnership

SACOLA chairperson, Pierre Celestin NSENGIYUMVA and terratalent, represented by Burkhard Volbracht (from Germany), on 15th December, 2024, signed a strategic partnership between the two Organizations with the aim of supporting each other in the development of qualification/educational partnerships and recruitment activities. terratalent supports German companies that want to get access and attract skilled workers abroad for the first time. East-Africa is a target region with a large pool of talent. terratalent aims to initiate partnerships with local players, including universities and training providers. Through these partnerships, German employers should then have the opportunity to attract and recruit skilled workers on a sustainable and long-term basis.

COW PROGRAM: Cow Donation Ceremony 2022 in Kingi

This year, SACOLA gratefully received additional funding from Charlette Adams and immediately prepared a cow donation ceremony in one of the villages in Kinigi. 25th September 2022, 14 additional cows were ready to be donated to local women. SACOLA’s chairman, Pierre Célestin NSENGIYUMVA gathered local villagers into the community centre.

After the briefing, SACOLA’s members lead the local women recipients off to meet these cows. 14 cows stand in a row and were hitched onto trees (Fig 2). One-by-one, each local woman picked a letter, on which the cow's name can be found, and each cow was allocated to its belonger. In spite of the economic hardships created by COVID-19, SACOLA members and Sweet Charlette are determined to continue to bless and uplift the lives of women in the Kinigi region.

Fig 2 A row of cows hitch on trees.

Finally, SACOLA chairman, Pierre Célestin NSENGIYUMVA, manager of the Governor's Camp Sabinyo Lodge, Michael Hughes, SACOLA international volunteer, Yu-Feng HO have a group picture with a local villager and her received cow, as the end of this invaluable ceremony (Fig 3).

Fig. 3 A group picture of the representative of local villagers, SACOLA, international volunteer and Governor's Camp Sabinyo

SACOLA welcomes our new volunteer after COVID-19

Recovering from the pandemic, SACOLA welcomes the first volunteer, Yu-Feng Ho, from Taiwan. Yu-Feng has a background of agriculture and environmental management. He used to study Agronomy, Bachelor of Science at National Taiwan University (Taiwan) and Environment and Resource Management, Master of Science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

He brings us skills and tips for managing projects and generates some value and ideas. He stays with us for 6 weeks and we are glad to host him in Rwanda. Every work that has been done benefits the local communities.

School Dining Room

SACOLA Continue to improve the school experience for students. GS NYANGE School did not have a dining room for students students, SACOLA supported the school by constructing the dining room shown below.

Dining room at G.S.Nyange

CONSTRUCTION OF A HOUSE TO VULNERABLE PERSON

The beneficiary of this house is the person who was given the cow by SACOLA and reached the highest profitability. This house is to encourage her for a better future and as an example to others in the community.

A old house where vulnerable locals in Kinigi live in.

SACOLA’s member visits the new, complete house with locals

Avocado Trees

During this year (2021-2022) SACOLA has produced 10,000 avocado trees to be distributed to the community and schools around the Rwanda Volcanoes National Park. The purpose was to help fight against malnutrition among children.

Distributing Trees to the community

Distributing trees to schools

HOUSING SURVIVORS

This is one of four houses constructed by SACOLA in favour of genocide survivors in KINIGI and NYANGE sectors whose houses were very old.

SACOLA built the new ones with tanks to collect rain water for a ready supply of water.

House showing rainwater tank

Joselyne tells how SACOLA helped her and how she wants to make a change.

The contribution of SACOLA on youth education

Felicien SEBAHIRE is born in Rwanda, Musanze district, in a very poor family with only a mother who took care of him and his siblings. His childhood were very miserable. Up to 2013 his family lived in a poor shelter and sometimes they even used to shift to their neighbours houses during rainy seasons, because the conditions were so poor. 

He studied at three different primary schools and did his high school in Musanze. He did his bachelors of science in civil engineering at National University of Rwanda, his Masters in Water and Sanitation at International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering in Burkina Faso and currently he is doing his PhD in hydrology and water resources engineering with specialisation in water supply and sanitation at Nelson Mandela – African Institution of Science and Technology in Arusha, Tanzania. To accomplish all of this Felicien was supported by many organisations including SACOLA. He started to get assistance from SACOLA in 2011, when he was about to drop out from university because of financial problems

After his graduation in 2013, as a civil engineer, he intervened  in construction projects and worked as a high school technical teacher in his own community. After getting his PhD he wants to use his knowledge in his daily life to motivate others. He has been trained in so many things whether socially or technologically and he wants to put them into application. He wants to inspire young people in his hometown to do something with their lives. 

His future is now good and very promising. Not only for himself, but for his community. He wants to be a problem solver and hopefully even worldwide. To be a problem solver means he can now turn problems into solutions. For example he is currently doing a research on how to turn organic wastes into biogas (energy), fertiliser, construction materials and other products.

In his own words he said without the help of SACOLA he would have dropped out from his university studies. He wouldn’t have travelled abroad to gain advanced trainings and simply could not expect a bright future. Other friends in his community were also helped by SACOLA. Apart from many students studying in University of Rwanda, others went to universities in China, Ethiopia, Tanzania and USA.

Felicien is very grateful for the SACOLA help. Not only for himself, but also for the population living around Sabyinyo Volcano. He is very happy to see the positive impact in the community in community development, natural resource and biodiversity conservation, business startups, infrastructure development, good governance, promoting cultural tourism, education and agriculture. 

In the following video his sister Agnes, who also had the change to study, is explaining some more.