The Dream
Where we are going
A nation where vulnerable widows and orphans enjoy better living conditions through the promotion and protection of their rights.
Vision
About ICYUZUZO OrganisationProtecting
Protecting
dignity
since 1990
Protecting and promoting the rights and well-being of widows and orphans in Rwanda.
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Founded
September 30, 1990
Location
Kigali - Nyarugenge
Focus
Widows & Orphans
Who We AreOur name &
Our name &
our narrative
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Meaning of ICYUZUZO
ICYUZUZO means "complement." The name reflects a commitment to solidarity, mutual support, and helping families rebuild what has been lost.
ICYUZUZO is a national non-governmental organization devoted to the protection and promotion of widows and orphans in Rwanda.
Origin Story
ICYUZUZO was established on September 30, 1990 by a group of 83 widows led by the late UMUTANGUHA Laica. The founders wanted to create a space of solidarity where widows could speak openly about their worries, support one another, and share ideas for improving their well-being.
Our Journey & Work
ICYUZUZO is a national non-governmental organization devoted to protecting and promoting widows and orphans in Rwanda. Since its founding in 1990, the organization has created spaces for solidarity, advocacy, education, health support, and community resilience.
Its work includes support for vulnerable children, community groups, health insurance access, economic empowerment, rights awareness, gender-based violence prevention and response, and ongoing programs through the Icyuzuzo Training Center.
Direction
Our Vision & Mission
The Action
How we serve
To work with partners to promote and protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of widows and orphans in Rwanda.
Mission
Core ValuesPrinciples that
Principles that
shape our work
ICYUZUZO encourages professional growth, collaboration, and complementarity among staff, partners, beneficiaries, and communities.
The organization seeks practical and alternative solutions to challenges facing widows, orphans, and vulnerable communities.
ICYUZUZO strengthens the ability of partners and staff to understand the lived experience of others from within their own context.
The organization stands with people facing hardship, especially widows and orphans, and helps families recover from loss and vulnerability.
ICYUZUZO remains open to oppressed people and practices active listening at every stage of its work.
The organization protects and promotes human dignity while recognizing rights and responsibilities for staff, beneficiaries, partners, and the wider community.
ICYUZUZO contributes to a peaceful working environment for partners, staff, and beneficiaries.
Our Impact
Major achievements
Key accomplishments driving sustainable growth, education and healthcare for widows and orphans.
Education
Secondary and primary education support
Supported 384 secondary school students, including 217 females and 167 males, and 650 primary school pupils, including 336 females and 314 males.
Education
TVET students and early childhood playgroups
Supported 248 TVET students and 8 playgroups, including 5 in Gasabo and 3 in Nyarugenge, serving 400 children under five years old.
Community Support
Playgroup volunteers
Mobilized and supported 166 playgroup volunteers.
Health
Health insurance support
Paid Mutuelle de sante for 80 secondary and TVET students and 254 family members.
Community Support
Abahizi Clubs
Supported 11 Abahizi Clubs.
Economic Empowerment
Internal savings and lending groups
Supported 137 ISLGs with 2,740 members, including 2,188 women and 552 men.
Economic Empowerment
Cooperatives
Supported 11 cooperatives with 321 members, including 51 men and 270 women.
Economic Empowerment
PDH groups and farmer field schools
Supported 27 PDH groups with 221 females and 48 males, and 25 farmer field schools with 695 members, including 560 females and 135 males.
Rights & Protection
GBV survivor support
Provided psychosocial and economic support to victims of gender-based violence in Kamonyi and Rulindo Districts.
Future Roadmap
Road to Vision 2030
Our strategic priorities and milestones designed to build sustainable independence for widows and orphans.
2026Target Phase
TARGET 2026
01Strengthen the Icyuzuzo Training Center
Reinforce capacity building through the Icyuzuzo Training Center.
2027Target Phase
TARGET 2027
02Financial literacy and ISLG management
Train community group members in financial literacy and ISLG management, including small livestock and soya bean products.
2028Target Phase
TARGET 2028
03Exchange learning and meetings
Organize exchange learning and meetings for ICYUZUZO basic groups.
2029Target Phase
TARGET 2029
04Support vulnerable children
Provide school fees and school materials to vulnerable children in Byimana Sector.
2030Target Phase
TARGET 2030
05Health insurance for vulnerable families
Provide health insurance to vulnerable families in Nyarugenge and Ruhango Districts.
2030Target Phase
TARGET 2030
06Health awareness and counseling
Conduct sensitization and counseling on HIV prevention, malaria prevention, and ASRHR prevention.
2030Target Phase
TARGET 2030
07Counseling, GBV prevention, and rights protection
Provide counseling, gender-based violence prevention and intervention, and support for youth and women rights.
NetworkingMemberships &
Memberships &
coalitions
We proudly align and collaborate with national bodies to promote vulnerable families.
PRO-FEMMES TWESE HAMWE
ICYUZUZO is a member of PRO-FEMMES TWESE HAMWE.
Rwanda NGOs Forum for the Fight Against HIV/AIDS
ICYUZUZO is a member of the Rwanda NGOs Forum for the Fight Against HIV/AIDS.
Join the missionStand with widows
Stand with widows
and orphans in Rwanda.
Partner with ICYUZUZO Organisation through support, collaboration, volunteering, or a conversation about the communities we serve.