I. BACKGROUND

By the 1994 genocide Rwanda was stricken by a misfortune, which plunged the whole country in disastrous situation with various socio-economic consequences. As a result, in September 1994, a group of Rwandan women established an association that they named ASOFERWA (Association de Solidarité des Femmes Rwandaise); Rwandan women Association for Solidarity with the purpose of helping the vulnerable. One of the main consequences of the 1994 tragedy was the drastic increase of vulnerable groups including widows, orphans, traumatized women, girl mothers, HIV/AIDS infected women, elderly people without assistance, minors in detention centres to mention only these. These are the target groups who benefit from ASOFERWA programmes.

II. MISSION
ASOFERWA’s mission consists of encouraging the socio-economical rehabilitation of vulnerable groups and promoting national reconciliation.

III. VISION

ASOFERWA’s vision is to build a ‘Rwanda free from poverty and any injustice or discrimination ’ where every citizen enjoys better living conditions and where children and women enjoy their rights and a psycho-social comfort

 III.2. Specific objectives

increase of people income through their interest communities at the level cells
ensure socio-economic reinsertion of the target groups: widows, orphans, minors in conflict with the law and ex-soldiers, etc.;
provider organizational  and technical support to member local associations in income generating projects;
incitate associations, especially those of women to play an important role in the GACACA courts.

IV. STRATEGIES

Support and counselling to groups, especially those of women organised at the grassroots level. Play a role of facilitator and advocate between groups at the grass root level and donors. Organise sponsorship of guardian or adoption for orphans. Organise trainings for target groups their coaches and decentralized grass root structures in partners’ districts.

V. ACHIEVEMENTS

Support to households affected by HIV. Construction of 323 houses in Peace villages at  Ntarama and Kamonyi with   basic  infrastructures in the framework of socio-economic reintegration of target  groups and promoting national reconciliation 55 women groups de supported in income generating activities. Sponsoring 565 orphans and non accompagned children.

Pupils being coatched by  ASOFERWA in  « Nelson MANDELA »  Peace village at  Ntarama in Nyamata district
Teaching professions to the youth in school at C.F.J. Kigese and Gacuriro in sewing work shops of Remera, Kibungo, Ntarama and  Kamonyi.
Capacity building for grassroottdecentralized structures in the districts of Kamonyi, Kacyiru and  Nyamata.
Women development and fuctional literacy to illiterate womwn in the districts of Rukara, Bugaragara and Kahi.

  
Photo: Giving certificates at the  end of a functional literacy training.

Collaborate with PACFA in the school reintegration of 530 pupils  from the 106 districts of the country who are chassed from secondary schools due to lack of financial means Coaching in inter-groups of Nyamirambo, Kicukiro, Kacyiru, Kanombe, Gikondo, Nyamata and t Kamonyi districts in fighting against HIV/AIDS and  assistance to households affected by HIV/AIDS.  Psycho-socio-economic coaching of minors, nursling and their mothers in detention places among whom 638 infants and 4579 minors. School reintegration of 466 orphans in primary school and 736 pupils in secondary.   
Assistance of districts’  C.D.C. partners in organising  community mutual assistance structures to fight against poverty. Putting in place of financial   autonomy infrastructures:
 Sewing Worksop at Remera
Tourist attraction village of Kinigi

VI. PERSPECTIVES FOR THE FUTURE
In the near future, ASOFERWA have to take up the following challenges:
Reinforce the community participation in activities aiming to vulnerable groups development and especially women and children at risk 

Photo: House building for widows  at Ntarama in the Distrct ofNyamata by  ASOFERWA

Reinforcing the management of ASOFERWA’s infrastructures financial autonomy

Kimihurura, Avenue Umutekano n° 22
B.P. 565 Kigali-Rwanda Kimihurura, Avenue Umutekano n° 22
B.P. 565 Kigali-Rwanda
Tél.         : (250) 58 63 94
Fax          : (250) 58 44 13
E-mail     : asoferwa@rwanda1.com

Tél.         : (250) 58 63 94
Fax          : (250) 58 44 13
E-mail     : asoferwa@rwanda1.com