A family home rebuilt, thanks to funding from the Scottish Government

As climate change wreaks havoc on many of the world's poorest communities, Rwanda, amongst many other countries, is experiencing more frequent and intense flooding, storms, erosion, and landslides.

In 2023, SCIAF won a contract from the Scottish Government to support people in Rwanda already suffering the adverse effects of climate change. Their 'Climate Justice Communities' (CJC) programme aims to help the poorest, most marginalised people whose lives are being torn apart by the climate crisis. The project ensures no one is left behind by putting a particular focus on breaking down barriers for people living with disabilities.

Solomon and Colette's family are from Kirambo village, in Rwanda. They lived with their four children in their home in the mountains until one devastating landslide changed everything.

One night, when Solomon was out trying to earn money for his family, the rain came in a torrent down the slope behind their home. The house was flooded then very quickly all but one remaining wall collapsed around them. When the water rapidly entered the house, Ellen, their daughter living with a disability, was trapped, but thankfully managed to escape.

In an instant, his family became bereft of their home that they had lived in for 17 years; the water even swept away his daughter's wheelchair.

However, thanks to funding from CJC, our partners were able to rebuild Solomon and Collette's house. Now, the family have a garden where they can grow vegetables; they have a water tank nearby; and they are surrounded by supportive neighbours.

Solomon said:

"I am very happy and confident that my house is strong. I don’t think I will experience a landslide which will affect my house again."

Colette is extremely grateful for their new water tank and garden: 

"The water tank saved me so much time going down the steep slope to the river. I can't emphasise the convenience of just drawing water from the tank enough. I cherish not having to carry water on my head thanks to the CJC programme. See my hair now, it has grown!"

"Quite often, all we would eat was cassava leaves, but now we have a backyard garden with different types of vegetables. We received seeds, and nutrition training too."

Through the project, their house has been landscaped so that Ellen can move about with much more independence.

Solomon said: 

"And now my daughter has a life too! She can go and watch football at the playground which she enjoys so much. She is happy."

Collette said:

"Our daughter's life was limited - but now she can move around much more freely - not just when we are able to take her out."

With this extreme weather, villages can be destroyed very quickly, leaving families like Solomon and Colette's heartbroken, frightened, and in need of desperate help to recover.

But thanks to CJC, communities now have stronger homes to withstand unpredictable weather. And, with the training they are receiving, people are building resilience and knowledge so that if climate related catastrophes occur again, they are more prepared.

After a pause of speechless gratitude, Colette responded with tears in her eyes:

"The phrase 'thank you' is not sufficient. I want to send this message to the Scottish Government - the funding came at the right time when we, as a family, needed support. We will use the training acquired from this project, so that if disaster strikes in the future, we can support each other."

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