A Place of Dignity: Senior Center for Widows in Mukoma

The widows from Mukoma in southwestern Rwanda are survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, a harrowing time that left unimaginable suffering in its wake. These women, in particular, endured unimaginable loss as their husbands and sons were murdered before their eyes. Many also suffered physical and emotional violence, including rape, and were infected with HIV/AIDS.

In recent years, our organization has supported these courageous women through pastoral care, trauma therapy, and poverty alleviation projects. However, aging has brought new challenges: many widows are now seriously ill, live alone, and are unable to maintain their homes or care for themselves. Their isolation and loneliness weigh heavily on them, and our greatest concern is that they might spend their final years without the care and human connection they so desperately need.

A Home for Peace and Community

To enable these women to age with dignity, our organization, in collaboration with our partner Iriba Shalom Rwanda, has launched a heartfelt project: the construction of a senior center in Mukoma. This center is intended to be more than just a care facility—it will be a home where widows can find peace, security, and the support they deserve.

Thanks to a generous donation, we were able to acquire a beautifully situated plot of land overlooking Lake Kivu, right next to our multifunctional community center, established in 2018, which serves as a hub for local activities. In August 2023, after delays caused by the pandemic, construction of the senior center finally began. The building plans were designed by Matthias Schaffrath, a dedicated civil engineer from Bauen als Mission e.V., who has supported the project with great commitment and passion.

The Schmitz Foundation has significantly supported us through public funding, but our organization still had to cover 25% of the total project cost of €70,000. Thanks to numerous donations, we were able to raise this amount and create a warm and welcoming home for the widows.

Inauguration of the Senior Center in Mukoma: A Celebration of Joy and Hope

On December 4, 2024, the long-awaited moment finally arrived: the Senior Center in Mukoma officially opened its doors. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for 14 of the 16 widows who now live in their new home, where they can spend their golden years in dignity.

The inauguration was a joyful and heartfelt ceremony. Representatives from the Rwandan government, including the mayor and sector leaders, along with members of the military and police, were present to honor this significant occasion.

A Day of Community and Tradition

The day was filled with moving speeches, traditional dances, and shared meals that reflected the unity and hope for a brighter future for the residents. In a particularly emotional gesture, a cow was gifted to the center—a highly valued and culturally significant gift in Rwanda. This gesture not only symbolizes respect and care but also contributes to the sustainable livelihood of the center.

A Home Full of Hope: Join Our Mission!

With the opening of the Senior Center in Mukoma, a long-held dream has come true. This special place offers the widows not only a roof over their heads but also a sense of security, support, and the opportunity to spend their golden years in peace and community.

The senior residents now enjoy comprehensive and professional care in their new home. Our trained staff lovingly attend to their well-being, while dedicated community members provide additional support. Shared meals, enriched with fresh produce from the center’s own farm, foster a sense of togetherness. Trauma counseling, prayer sessions, and practical activities like household management courses bring joy, variety, and inner peace to the women’s daily lives.

To ensure this care can be provided sustainably, we need your support!

How You Can Help

Whether as an individual, a family, or a group—every contribution makes a difference:

  • €40 per month: Sponsor a cook, gardener, cleaner, or security personnel
  • €150 per month: Sponsor an administrative staff member
  • €220 per month: Sponsor a qualified nursing staff member
  • €440 per month: Sponsor the head of the facility

Your sponsorship not only secures vital jobs for our staff but also makes you part of a community dedicated to giving vulnerable women a dignified and secure end to their lives.

If you’re interested in sponsoring or have questions, please contact us at sponsorship@iriba-shalom-international.org.

Other Ways to Support
We also welcome one-time donations to help with our ongoing costs and the development of the Senior Center. You can easily contribute via Betterplace. Alternatively, visit our donation page for our bank details. Please indicate “Senior Center” as the purpose of your donation.

Thank you for your support—together, we can make a lasting difference!

Learn More About the Construction Phases Here:

April 2024

Final Construction Phase: The last steps of the construction are underway! Windows are being installed, doors are being fitted, and the interiors are being finalized with painting and finishing touches. The next stage involves furnishing the rooms and communal areas, as well as equipping the kitchen and sanitary facilities.

Meanwhile, the outdoor spaces are being landscaped and prepared, with a focus on sustainability. This includes planting useful greenery such as avocado, lemon, and mango trees to provide fresh produce for the center.

Stay tuned as we approach the completion of this meaningful project!

November 2023

Progress on the Senior Center: The foundational structures of the new Senior Center are now complete, and the layout of the rooms and floor plan is clearly taking shape. After a brief pause due to supply issues, construction has resumed.

The upcoming steps include installing the roof, fitting the windows, and beginning the interior work. Excitement is building as we move closer to realizing this vital project!

August 2023 – Construction Begins
A report by Matthias Schaffrath (Bauen als Mission e.V.)

Nearly four years ago, we began developing the initial ideas for the Senior Center of Iriba Shalom in Mukoma. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to acquire additional land and finalize the planning. After a long wait for approvals and commitments, the moment finally arrived – the foundation stone was laid, and dedicated volunteers began preparing the site. During my visit, I had the privilege of personally accompanying the first steps of the project for a few months, witnessing the daily progress. The widows were excited to see me again, and each one eagerly wanted to meet and greet me.

Everyone was eagerly awaiting the start of the first construction phase. After my return to Germany, the construction will continue to be supervised by our local building team, which will regularly send videos and updates.

Currently, we are completing the first phase of the project, which includes the foundations and terraces. The wall construction has also begun, and several walls have already been erected. Once the building’s structure is complete, we will move on to the interior work and furnishing of the Senior Center. To make this possible, the association still needs €20,000 in donations to create a comfortable and age-appropriate living space where the senior women can feel at home.

You can see impressions of the measuring process, the initial preparation work, the delivery of materials, and the construction of the first walls here: