Comfort My People marks 20 years of supporting vulnerable people in Rwanda

Comfort My People International, a Christian charity supporting vulnerable people in Rwanda, has marked 20 years of work in the country, during which it has built homes, supported education and helped people overcome drug addiction.

The organisation marked its 20th anniversary on 2 October 2026 at an event in Remera Sector, Kigali, attended by staff, beneficiaries, local officials and religious leaders.

Pastor Willy Rumenera, who founded the organisation, said it had built homes for more than 200 vulnerable people and helped thousands of residents pay their community-based health insurance premiums.

“Every year, we pay health insurance premiums for vulnerable people in different districts. Over the past 20 years, the number of people Comfort My People has clothed, fed and supported is too large to count. God has done it,” he said.

More than 200 people have also gone through Teen Challenge Rwanda, a rehabilitation centre established by the organisation to help people overcome drug addiction.

Support for rural communities

Comfort My People International began its work in Cyanika Sector, Burera District, in 2008.

Pastor Rumenera said the organisation had provided residents with 96 rabbits, 82 goats, 76 sheep, two cows and 105 laying hens.

It also built 68 houses for vulnerable people, 20 toilets and 30 water tanks, each holding 10,000 litres.

The organisation also built five crop-drying facilities and six potato storage facilities, with a combined capacity of 120 tonnes.

“To promote agriculture and increase productivity, we trained 42 women in vegetable farming,” Pastor Rumenera said.

In Bugesera District, the organisation built 87 houses, trained 50 women in modern farming and provided 89 goats to residents.

The organisation also installed solar power systems in 20 homes and has paid school fees for 36 children since 2013.

The organisation has also built three churches in the district and helped residents pay their community-based health insurance premiums.

Similar projects have also been carried out in Kamonyi, Gicumbi and Rwamagana districts.

Some beneficiaries say the organisation’s support has made a lasting difference in their lives.

Justine Nishimwe said Comfort My People began paying her school fees when she was in Primary Five. She is now nearing the end of her university studies.

“They supported me when I was young, when I was in primary school. They stayed close to me and followed up on my progress. By God’s grace, I continued to do well in school, and now I am at university,” she said.

Dancille Mukandori, a Genocide against the Tutsi survivor from Rwamagana District, said the organisation built her a home when she had nowhere else to live.

“They built a house for me and continued to follow up with me and visit me. They were the first people I found who truly cared about me. God gave them to me; they became like siblings and children to me,” she said.

Niyigena Celestin, from Nyamagabe District, said he had previously lived on the streets, used drugs and engaged in theft.

He went to Iwawa Rehabilitation Centre to study construction but later returned to his previous habits. He said the support he received from the organisation helped him turn his life around.

“I received spiritual support and became a new creation. God chose me, and I changed. Today, I no longer engage in bad habits,” he said.

Local leaders highlight the organisation’s work

Ndaruhutse Jean de Dieu, Executive Secretary of Jarama Sector, said Comfort My People had helped improve the lives of residents.

He cited its efforts to combat drug abuse, help residents pay community-based health insurance premiums and organise football competitions for young people.

“Today, we have responsible citizens because of Comfort My People. They have left us with a lasting legacy,” he said.

Pastor Walt and his wife, Britt, who travelled from the United States, also attended the anniversary event.

They prayed for Pastor Rumenera, his family and the organisation’s beneficiaries, and wished the charity continued growth in its work.