CJC fund changing lives for the better in Rwanda

A new fund to help families in Rwanda deal with the impacts of climate change is bearing fruit.

The £8m programme, supported by the Scottish Government, helps communities who have been most affected by the consequences of a changing climate, including droughts, floods, landslides, heatwaves and increasing storms.

One such family is the Triphonias, who live in rural Rwanda. For years they had lived in a dilapidated home after severe flood and landslides struck. For a while they had to seek refuge with a neighbour. Mujawamariya's family situation became desparate when she was left to raise her children alone since her husband had to find work elsewhere.

Mujawamariya used her irregular income from working on agricultural farms to fund temporary repairs for her damaged house. Despite the potential risks, she returned to her home but was unable to make contact with her husband.

The Climate Justice Communities (CJC) programme works through partners, to allow marginalised communities to develop their own plans to adapt to and recover from climate change. 

This summer, Mujawamariya learned her home was one of those picked to be repaired.

She said:

“It was truly a miracle for me to hear that my house had been identified for repairs along with others affected by the landslides. When my house was destroyed, I never thought I would receive any support.

“I had lost hope of living with my husband under the same roof again. However, when the house was nearing its final stage, he returned home. You can't imagine the struggles I went through looking after the children and paying monthly rent alone!

“I am now very happy to see my family reunited and staying in our impressive house with my husband and our children. I want to express my deepest gratitude to SCIAF and ask for God's continued blessings upon you and the valuable work you are doing. I wish you could understand just how happy I am.”

SCIAF are working with experienced partners Trócaire, CBM UK, NUDOR RWANDA, RCCDN Rwanda, Duhamic Adri, Duterimbere to implement the CJC Rwanda programme, funded by The Scottish Government.