October 28th , 2025, we at the Rwanda Organization for Development Initiatives (RODI) were thrilled to host the official Nyamagabe District launch of the Dukore Twigire Project (DTP). This event, held at Ubumwe Center Kigeme, marked a significant milestone in our collective journey to build sustainable livelihoods for refugees and their host communities.
Funded by the European Union, this launch brought together our valued partners, district leaders, and community stakeholders. We were honored by the presence of the Mayor of Nyamagabe District, our lead consortium partner World Vision Rwanda, and key collaborators including MINEMA and UNHCR.
The objective was clear: to share the project’s details and goals, raise awareness, and, most importantly, engage all district-level stakeholders for the successful implementation of this life-changing project.
Background of the Dukore Twigire Project
The Dukore Twigire Project (DTP) – Pathways to Self-Reliance and Resilience is a transformative initiative aimed at contributing to improved, diversified, and sustainable livelihoods for Forcibly Displaced Populations (FDP) and their host communities in Rwanda.
Funded by the European Union, the project is awarded to a consortium of three organizations: World Vision International (lead), Caritas Rwanda, and RODI. While the overall project targets four refugee camps(Kigeme, Kiziba, Mugombwa and Nyabiheke) targeting 2,133 households. RODI will implement the project specifically at the Kigeme refugee camp and its host communities in Nyamagabe District, Southern Province of Rwanda.
In Nyamagabe District, the DTP will directly support 582 households, comprising 407 refugee households (70%) and 175 Rwandan host community households (30%).
The project’s strategy is grounded in the globally recognized Ultra-Poor Graduation (UPG) model. The goal is to ensure that at least 70% of these targeted participants graduate from extreme poverty, building lasting self-reliance through comprehensive approaches.
The Four Pillars of the DTP
The Dukore Twigire Project is anchored on four integrated pillars, which provide a sequenced and holistic package of support:
- Social Protection: This includes preventive, protective, and promotive mechanisms to support basic income security, such as consumption support, crisis relief, and ensuring access to essential health and education services.
- Livelihood Promotion: This pillar focuses on ensuring regular and diverse income streams. Interventions include asset or cash transfers, technical and business skills training, and vital access to markets.
- Financial Inclusion: To improve income and risk management, this pillar provides access to formal or informal savings, credit, and insurance mechanisms, all accompanied by financial literacy training.
- Social Empowerment: This equips families with a confident mindset and promotes community inclusion. Interventions include life skills training, social integration, and coaching that cuts across all pillars.
Highlights from Dukore Twigire Project (DTP) Launch in Nyamagabe District
The launch event was structured to foster dialogue and secure partner commitment, following the official agenda.
Welcome Remarks by Rwanda Organization for Development Initiatives(RODI)
The day began with welcoming remarks from RODI’s Executive Director, UWIMANA Chrysostome. He extended a warm welcome to the Guest of Honor, Hildebrand Niyomwungeri, the Mayor of Nyamagabe District.
He also acknowledged the valued partners in attendance, starting with our lead consortium partner, World Vision Rwanda. He extended a special welcome to our key government collaborators from MINEMA , district, and sector officials , as well as representatives from UNHCR , fellow NGOs, private sector partners , and community representatives.
Mr. UWIMANA Chrysostome underscored RODI’s deep commitment to the Nyamagabe community, setting a warm and purposeful tone for the event.
Opening Remarks by the Mayor of Nyamagabe
We were honored to hear the official opening remarks from our Guest of Honor, the Mayor of Nyamagabe District. He warmly welcomed all partners to the district and set a powerful, collaborative tone for the day, emphasizing the district’s full support for the DTP’s goals to empower refugees and host communities.
Project Overview: The DTP in Nyamagabe
Following the opening, DTP DM&E Officer took the stage to present a comprehensive “Overview of the Dukore Twigire (Work for Self-Reliance) Project”. They detailed the project’s four-pillar UPG strategy and how it will be specifically applied to empower the 582 households in the Kigeme camp and its host communities.
Graduation to Durable Solutions
A central highlight of the launch was the engaging panel discussion, “From Graduation to Durable Solutions: Addressing Challenges and Exploring Opportunities for Refugees through the UPG Strategy”. This critical conversation featured panelists from the highest levels of district and partner leadership, including the Mayor of Nyamagabe District, the Executive Director of RODI, a Representative from MINEMA, and a Representative from UNHCR.
Testimonies from PAC Ultra-Poverty Graduates
A particularly powerful moment during the launch was hearing success testimonies from graduates of the previous PAC (Project Advancing Core Skills) project. These individuals shared their personal journeys of moving from extreme poverty to sustainable self-reliance. Their stories provided real-world proof of the UPG model’s effectiveness and served as a powerful inspiration for the new DTP participants and all stakeholders present.
The Insightful from the UNHCR/Huye Representative
The UNHCR/Huye Representative shared valuable insights on the importance of creating durable solutions and pathways to self-reliance for refugees. Their speech highlighted the critical role of partnership in ensuring the protection and economic inclusion of the Kigeme camp residents, and they affirmed UNHCR’s strong support for the project.
Speech of the World Vision Rwanda Representative
As the lead partner of the consortium, the World Vision Rwanda Representative delivered an inspiring speech. They reinforced the consortium’s shared vision for the DTP, expressed gratitude to the European Union, and emphasized the power of our combined expertise to deliver a high-impact program.
Official Speech and Launch by the Guest of Honor
The climax of the event was the Official Speech by the Guest of Honor, the Mayor of Nyamagabe District. The Mayor formally declared the Dukore Twigire Project launched in Nyamagabe, pledging the full support of the district. This marked the official start of our collaborative work.
Expected Outcomes of the Dukore Twigire Project
Over its three-year duration (July 2025 – June 2028) , the Dukore Twigire Project’s overarching goal is to contribute to improved, diversified, and sustainable livelihoods for the 582 households in Kigeme camp and its host communities.
The project will create access to finance, skills, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities. By using the proven Ultra-Poor Graduation (UPG) model, the project’s primary outcome is to ensure that at least 70% of the targeted participants graduate from extreme poverty and achieve self-reliance.
These outcomes will be achieved through the project’s four integrated pillars:
- Social Protection: Providing income security and access to health and education.
- Livelihood Promotion: Ensuring diverse income streams through asset/cash transfers and skills training.
- Financial Inclusion: Providing access to savings, credit, and financial literacy.
- Social Empowerment: Equipping families with a confident mindset and promoting community inclusion.
A Shared Journey Forward
The successful launch concluded with a group photo, capturing the unity and shared purpose of all partners present. We are energized and ready to work alongside the 582 households in Kigeme and the host community to build a future of dignity, resilience, and self-reliance.
