Partners in the Vision Umurenge Program (VUP) have commended the way its beneficiaries are using the support they receive across various program components to improve their livelihoods and work towards lifting themselves out of poverty.

This message was emphasized by the British High Commissioner to Rwanda, HE Alison Thorpe, during a visit she conducted together with other partners to VUP-supported projects in Nyabihu District, where they interacted with a number of beneficiaries.

The projects visited are funded by the UK through the FCDO fund. They include smart climate sensitive public works projects, skills development support for beneficiaries learning vocational trades, SACCO-based payment systems for those employed through VUP, and support for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers with children under two, aimed at fighting malnutrition and stunting (Nutrition Sensitive Direct Support beneficiaries).

HE Alison Thorpe appreciated how VUP beneficiaries are engaged in their work and committed to improving their lives. She emphasized that her country will continue to support these initiatives. “Yes, I hope so very much! As you know, like many other donors, our budget is decreasing, but we decrease over time. This year, we are very much committed to support these projects in full, and then we will discuss with the government how we can continue supporting in the future”, she said.

Some of the beneficiaries told the visiting delegation that the money they earn through VUP-supported activities, as well as the assistance provided by the program, has helped transform the lives of their families, especially by enabling them to meet basic needs such as food and access to healthcare. Beyond that, many of the beneficiaries participate in saving groups, which in turn allow them to undertake small income-generating activities like purchasing small livestock, renovating their homes, or buying clothes.

One such example is Angelique Manizabayo, a mother benefiting from the Nutrition Sensitive Direct Support (NSDS) component that targets pregnant and breastfeeding women with children under two.

Manizabayo said the support she received has completely helped her eliminate malnutrition in her household. She was even able to buy small livestock and start a small business. She said: “From that money, I bought egg-laying hens. Now, my children eat at least one egg a day. I also managed to save and started a small business making and selling ‘tofe’ (meat substitutes made from soybean). We eat it at home too, and now we have no malnutrition issues”.

Gaudence Mujawimana, a beneficiary employed in radical terrace construction in Bigogwe sector, said the wages have helped her sustain her family and also allowed her to begin raising sheep.

“This money has been very helpful. At home, we now eat twice a day. Even this beauty appearance you see, it’s thanks to VUP money! Additionally, I started raising sheep and they are multiplying. I’m confident I’ll be out of poverty soon”, she revealed.

The Director General of the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA), Mrs. Nyinawagaga Claudine Marie Solange, explained that all these initiatives aim to support vulnerable households in improving their welfare and building resilience against poverty. She stated that the team found that citizens had properly completed their assigned tasks and were also improving their home lives.

“We saw they’re doing great work, not only on the jobs but also improving their households by saving, buying livestock, joining saving groups, and gradually working their way out of poverty”, she said.

In the 2024/2025 fiscal year alone, a total of 3,992 households in Nyabihu District were employed in VUP classic public works, earning a combined amount of FRW 574,390,900. Nationwide, the FCDO has provided the support amounting to FRW 18,904,404,935 across various components of the VUP.