Double the love this Advent
Donate nowWhile we brace for the cold weather and cosy ourselves in front of the fire, for many within the Batwa community, the reality is altogether different.
The Batwa were decimated in the Rwanda Genocide in 1994, and still today face brutal discrimination in all aspects of daily life, struggling to access education and healthcare, and are often unable to find stable work.
Too many of the Batwa community are trapped in a perpetuating, vicious cycle of poverty.
Felicien and Sylvie's story
Felicien and Sylvie are Batwa people from Rwanda in Central Africa. Sylvie worries deeply about her children's future. She says: “The fear I carry for my children stems from my deep desire for them to have a better life. Unfortunately, their needs often go unfulfilled."
Without an education, Sylvie's children face an uncertain future, with few prospects of a career to lift them out of the harsh conditions they endure.
Thankfully, in the Batwa community, SCIAF’s partners are present, improving access to education, providing uniforms and classroom materials. Young children are beginning to thrive, as more and more of them attend school every day, dreaming of new opportunities.
In spite of the challenges Felicien and his family face, hope remains. “The support from SCIAF gives us a glimmer of hope,” Felicien beams, “that our current situation could be improved.”
This year, the world has witnessed so many crises and tragedies. Yet the plight of the Batwa, like countless other communities, is not in the headlines. But the people remain in our hearts, and we will not forget them.
Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, SCIAF stands with countless families such as Felicien and Sylvie’s around the world. Through your support, communities are also gaining access to clean water, food, shelter and sustainable ways to earn a living. Small acts of solidarity that create lasting change.
Double the Love in this Season of Giving
Donate today to support the marginalised Batwa community in Rwanda, and others around the world. Thanks to a generous group of supporters, the first £60,000 raised in this appeal will be doubled.
Novena of Prayer for the Batwa community of Rwanda
The Batwa community live in rural Rwanda. Native to the Great Lakes region of Central Africa, the Batwa have always lived in harmony with nature. Stand shoulder to shoulder with the Batwa community through prayer.
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