First Lady Jeannette Kagame has praised Africa New Life Ministries for combining education, healthcare and community support to help vulnerable Rwandans rebuild their lives, as the Christian organisation marked 25 years of work in the country.
Speaking at the anniversary celebrations in Kigali on Sunday, October 11, Mrs Kagame said the organisation had responded to pressing needs during Rwanda’s recovery from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, providing both spiritual guidance and practical assistance to children and families.
Founded in September 2001 by Rev. Dr. Charles Buregeya Mugisha and his wife, Florence Mugisha, Africa New Life began by supporting 30 children in Kayonza District. It has since expanded into education, healthcare, youth development and programmes aimed at improving household livelihoods.
Kagame said the organisation had helped people affected by displacement and family separation regain a sense of dignity and belonging at a time when many Rwandans were rebuilding their lives after years of upheaval.
“When you thought you were simply starting a church, you were answering a question many of us were asking: Where is home? Where is our home?” she said.
She commended the founders for supporting children orphaned by the country’s history and helping families access education, clean water, medical care and other essential services.
The organisation’s education programme has supported more than 21,900 students over the past 25 years, according to figures presented for the anniversary. Of these, 12,060 continue to receive assistance.
Its work also includes values-based training for young people. Africa New Life says more than 206,000 young people across Rwanda have participated in programmes designed to strengthen leadership and encourage them to contribute to their communities.
Healthcare is another major area of activity. Since 2018, the organisation’s Dream Medical Center has provided services to 528,000 patients, according to the anniversary figures.
The organisation has also undertaken food assistance and clean-water projects in eight districts, while more than 1,900 women have received vocational and entrepreneurship training. Of those trained, 94% have reportedly started businesses, helping them contribute to household incomes.
Buregeya Mugisha and Florence Mugisha said their shared purpose had sustained the organisation through challenging periods, acknowledging that its growth had required perseverance, courage and cooperation.
Both founders grew up in Rwandan refugee families in Uganda, an experience that helped shape their commitment to supporting children and families facing hardship.
Over the years, Africa New Life has developed from a child-sponsorship initiative into a broader programme combining Christian ministry with social services and community development.
At the anniversary, the First Lady thanked the organisation for its contribution to rebuilding Rwandan families and supporting children whose lives had been affected by the country’s history.
