In the heart of Rwanda, we are a thriving community of change-makers dedicated to building a better future. We are the Rwanda Organization for Development Initiatives (RODI), a key non-profit organization in Rwanda committed to sustainable development and community empowerment.
We were created in 2012 and officially recognized by the Government of Rwanda through the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) in 2014. We have become a cornerstone for driving positive change across the nation.
With our motto of “Innovating in Actions”, our work is built on a foundation of strong core values:
- Integrity
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Community-based- Centered
Our Vision and Mission
At our core, our work is guided by a powerful vision and a clear mission.
- Our Vision: “We envision a thriving community where everyone has access to the knowledge and resources necessary for achieving a better quality of life”.
- Our Mission: “To strengthen the capacity of small-scale farmers, youth, and women to improve livelihoods and food security, and increase economic opportunities by providing technical assistance in the agricultural value chain, adaptation to climate change, and entrepreneurship development”.
What We Do: A Holistic Approach to Development
We don’t just focus on one area; we understand that actual development requires a multi-faceted, holistic approach. Our main programs are designed to intersect and support one another, creating a sustainable web of positive change.
Our key program areas include:
- Agriculture and Value Chain Development: We empower smallholder farmers to address poverty and food insecurity through advocacy, training, and increased market access.
- Nutrition and Food Security: We support low-income households in improving their nutritional status through livelihood activities and a Nutrition Behavior Change Strategy.
- Livelihood and Rural Development: We enhance sustainable Income Generating Activities (IGAs) and provide vocational and managerial training to improve the incomes of rural communities.
- Gender Equality Promotion: We empower women and girls to advocate for equal opportunities by offering training programs, such as the Gender Action Learning System (GALS), resources, and awareness campaigns.
- Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Child Protection: We support the growth and safety of young children by monitoring and providing supportive supervision for ECD facilities.
- Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience: We promote sustainable practices by training farmers and communities in climate-smart agriculture, tree planting, and environmental conservation.
- Youth and Women Empowerment: We equip youth and women with skills, provide entrepreneurship support, offer vocational training, and offer access to financial resources.
- Humanitarian Protection & Advocacy: We alleviate suffering for people affected by disasters or conflicts and support ultra-poor households to be self-reliant.
Impactful Projects: Innovating in Actions
We bring our Mission to life through a portfolio of high-impact projects, encompassing both ongoing and completed initiatives.
PROJECTS ONGOING
- Peer Education Program (RODI-Gold Youth Programme) in Ruhango District: Through our RODI-Gold Peer Education Model, this program embeds peer leaders and mentors within schools and communities. It develops young people into proactive agents of positive change, empowering themselves and their peers.
- Monitoring and Supportive Supervision of ECD Facilities in Ruhango District: This ongoing project monitors and supports the supervision of Home-Based, Community-Based, and Center-Based Early Childhood Development (ECD) facilities in Ruhango District to ensure quality services for children’s development.
- Learning and Inclusion for Transformation (LIFT): The LIFT project is a Rwandan initiative that focuses on supporting vulnerable families and children who are not in school. It provides health insurance, financial support, and entrepreneurship training to help children re-enter formal education and improve their families’ economic stability.
- Dukore TWIGIRE Project (DTP) – Work for Self-Reliance: The DTP project helps forcibly displaced populations and their host communities in the Nyamagabe District. It aims to foster self-reliance by supporting over 2,000 households through sustainable income-generating activities, enhancing social cohesion, and expanding access to financial services.
PROJECTS COMPLETED
- Improving the Capability of Smallholder Coffee Farmers’ Cooperatives (ICCC): This initiative was designed to enhance the operational efficiency and sustainability of smallholder coffee farmers’ cooperatives, thereby contributing to Rwanda’s coffee sector.
- Business Development Service Support to Value Chain Development and Fair Economic Development Program: This program was implemented to enhance the capacity of 25 farmer organizations over three years. It promoted value chain development and equitable economic growth.
- Supporting Victims of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV): This project was a comprehensive approach addressing justice, stigma, and reintegration for SGBV victims. It focused on preventing GBV, protecting victims, and promoting reintegration.
- Poverty Alleviation Coalition (PAC 1): This project empowered 2,100 refugee households and 900 households from host communities. By 2024, 95% of participants had graduated from extreme poverty and adopted positive mindsets.
- MFASHA KWIFASHA: This project was focused on improving youth economic opportunities and active participation in community transformation. It was implemented in Nyanza District.
- HUGUKA DUKORE AKAZI KANOZE: This project equipped vulnerable youth across Rwanda with market-relevant skills, work readiness, and job capabilities, fostering economic growth.
- Fair Economic Development Program: This project focused on Value Chain Development by building the capacity of 26 Cooperatives (representing 25,000 Farmers) and eight companies across 6 Districts. It also included a component on Food Security and Nutrition Awareness.
- Farmers Voice/IJWI RY’ABAHINZI BOROZI: The goal of this project was poverty reduction and strengthened food security. 1,200 Farmers were supported in Ruhango, and District Farmers Networks (DFN) were established.
- Engaging Youth in Community Decision-Making in Nyanza District (Also numbered 09 in the document): This project worked to build the confidence and self-belief of youth and women in Nyanza District. It encouraged them to make positive career choices and actively participate in community development.
- Develop and Deliver Business Development Support Services to Starting Micro and Small Enterprises in 3 Districts: This initiative empowered youth by delivering Business Development Support Services (BDS) to micro and small enterprises in Karongi, Rutsiro, and Nyamasheke Districts. It included a structured training program and continuous support to help participants access loans.
Our Impact in Numbers (from 2019 to 2024)
Our results speak for themselves. Between 2019 and 2025, we have achieved remarkable milestones:
- Beneficiaries Served: 64,470
- Saving Groups Established: 518
- Volunteers Engaged: 1,618
- Projects Implemented: 14
Our Partners and Reach
As a leading non-profit organization in Rwanda, we collaborate with a wide range of esteemed partners to achieve our goals.
Our Partners Include:
- Government of Rwanda
- RGB (Rwanda Governance Board)
- NCDA
- NESA (National Examination and School Inspection Authority)
- UK
- European Union
- UNDP
- REB (Rwanda Basic Education Board)
- World Vision
- FCDO
- UNHCR (The UN Refugee Agency)
- McDonald’s
- Gold Youth
- HPA (Health Poverty Action)
- Cordaid
- EDC (Education Development Center)
- Caritas Rwanda
- AKA (Akazi Kanoze Access)
- LIFT (Learning and Inclusion for Transformation)
- Cambridge Education
- ADEPE
- UPHLS
This strong network allows us to implement our programs across Rwanda, with involvement in the districts within :
- South Province: Nyamagabe, Gisagara, Nyanza, Ruhango, Muhanga, Kamonyi
- West Province: Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Karongi, Rutsiro
- North Province: Rulindo, Gakenke
- East Province: Kirehe, Bugesera
- City of Kigali: Nyarugenge
Get Involved with Us
To learn more about us, the Rwanda Organization for Development Initiatives (RODI), or to explore partnership opportunities, we invite you to connect with us directly.
- Website: www.rodirwanda.org.rw
- Email: info@rodirwanda.org.rw
- Phone: (+250) 788 756347 / 0798493400
- Address: Kicukiro-Niboye, KK 338 St, Ave 19, House No 5
- Social Media: @RODIRwanda
