Last week, a team from LODA and development partners supporting the Pro-Poor Basket Development Fund financed by the French Development Agency (AFD), the German Development Bank (KFW), and Luxembourg Development Agency (LuxDev), conducted a field visit to Nyabihu and Ngororero Districts in Rwanda's Western Province.

The visit aimed to assess the impact of ongoing development projects and to engage with Locally-Led Adaptation Committees at Sector and Cell levels. These committees play a critical role in helping communities design and implement climate-resilient projects and promote awareness on integrating adaptation strategies into all local development initiatives.

In Nyabihu District, the team visited the construction of 15 classrooms at Groupe Scolaire Rega Catholique in Bigogwe Sector and 40 school latrines at Groupe Scolaire Rega ADEPR in Jenda Sector.

Teachers and school leaders expressed gratitude, noting the expansion had significantly addressed classroom overcrowding.

Akimana Theogene, Head Teacher at Rega Catholique, stated: “Our school has over 3,000 students. Previously, one classroom could hold more than 60 pupils, and some classrooms were in poor condition. These new classrooms will reduce congestion and create a better learning environment”.

The new structures were also designed to prevent flooding, a recurring issue during the rainy season. Elevated foundations and improved water drainage systems now protect the school premises from stormwater damage.

The delegation also visited the Ntobwe Health Center construction project in Ndaro Sector, Ngororero District, now in its second phase. The facility, which once relied on mud-brick structures, is being replaced with a modern two-floor building. Once completed, it will become a medicalized health center with the capacity to serve over 30,000 people.

Patients and community members welcomed the improvement. Iradukunda, a mother who recently gave birth at the facility, said: “In the past, mothers had to share beds or sleep on the floor. Now, each patient has a bed and a clean environment. We thank LODA and its partners for this transformation”.

The Adaptation Committees in both districts emphasized their commitment to supporting climate-resilient planning. Given that Nyabihu and Ngororero frequently experience climate-related disasters, committee members are actively educating communities to integrate adaptation measures into every development initiative.

Maurice Nsabibaruta, Division Manager for Community Development & Strategy Coordination at LODA, noted: “These infrastructure projects are opportunities for the local population to build on and escape poverty. We urge communities and stakeholders to ensure that what we build today is sustainable for future generations”.

Arthur Germond, AFD Country Director for Rwanda, commended the initiatives. “These are solutions that meet real community needs: quality education, improved healthcare, rural roads, … We are proud to support such impactful projects”, he added on.

Since its launch in January 2024, the Pro-Poor Basket Fund has financed over 100 development projects in Rwanda’s 16 poorest districts, supporting key sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure. While many projects are complete, some others are still under implementation.