Kora Wigire (Work for Self-Reliance) Poverty Alleviation Coalition (PAC) is an innovative project dedicated to empowering refugee and host community households in Rwanda to transition from dependence on humanitarian aid to sustainable self-reliance and built upon the achievements of the previous PAC1 project. It is led by a consortium of three nonprofit organizations: (i) World Vision as the Lead organization, with Sub-grantees, (ii) Caritas Rwanda, and (iii) RODI, each contributing expertise and commitment to tackle poverty through community-based empowerment.
Project Partners and Funding
The coalition is led by World Vision as lead organization, with support from Caritas Rwanda and RODI as sub-grantees, forming a powerful collaboration that aims to lift thousands of households out of poverty. Funding for this vital project has been provided by the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (BPRM), ensuring that resources are directed toward long-term development and livelihood improvement in some of the most vulnerable communities.
Target Areas and Objectives
Kora Wigire PAC project is being implemented across five major refugee camps—Mahama, Nyabiheke, Kiziba, Kigeme, and Mugombwa—and their surrounding host communities in Kirehe, Gatsibo, Karongi, Nyamagabe, and Gisagara Districts. Each of these communities has unique challenges and needs, but they all share a common goal: economic empowerment and independence.
This ambitious project uses the “Ultra Poor Graduation (UPG) Model,” a comprehensive program that has been proven effective in lifting people out of extreme poverty. The model focuses on empowering individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to build sustainable livelihoods. Through vocational training, savings programs, asset transfers, and intensive mentoring, the UPG Model equips participants with the tools to gradually increase their income and improve their quality of life.
Beneficiaries and Project Impact
Spanning from August 2024 to July 2027, the Kora Wigire PAC project is expected to directly impact 3,800 households (around 13,680 individuals), with a focus on supporting 70% of refugee households and 30% of the host communities. The project envisions these households progressing from reliance on aid to achieving self-sufficiency through dignified, sustainable work.
Our Role as RODI in this project is to specifically target 550 households within the Kigeme refugee camp and the host communities in Nyamagabe District. This region, located in Rwanda’s Southern Province, will benefit from tailored interventions that provide essential support for both refugees and host community members, fostering social cohesion and economic resilience.
Collaboration and Support
The Kora Wigire project is designed in close partnership with UNHCR and MINEMA, Rwanda’s Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management. This collaboration ensures that the project aligns with national strategies for refugee integration and poverty alleviation while also adhering to international standards for humanitarian support and development.
With UNHCR and MINEMA‘s technical support, the project’s strategies and activities are continuously refined and adapted to the evolving needs of the communities, ensuring a responsive and practical approach. By providing holistic support that addresses immediate needs and fosters long-term growth, the Kora Wigire PAC project is a crucial step toward a future where refugees who are located in Rwanda and host community members can achieve sustainable self-reliance.
Join the Journey
The “Kora Wigire” Poverty Alleviation Coalition embodies Rwanda’s commitment to uplifting its communities and supporting refugees and host populations alike. This initiative is more than just a project; it is a pathway toward dignity, empowerment, and sustainable futures. By addressing economic and social challenges in a structured and compassionate manner, PAC is a powerful example of the change that is possible through collaboration and community-centered approaches.
