BRAC

BRAC in Rwanda is a part of BRAC International, one of the world’s largest development organizations. BRAC (originally founded in Bangladesh in 1972) expanded to Rwanda to support poverty alleviation and socio-economic development through evidence-based, community-focused interventions. Here’s a detailed overview of BRAC’s presence and activities in Rwanda:

1. Entry into Rwanda

• Year of Entry: 2019 (official launch)

• BRAC began operations in Rwanda as part of its broader expansion strategy into Africa, which includes countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan.

2. Core Programs in Rwanda

a. Ultra-Poor Graduation Program (UPG)

• Goal: Lift people out of extreme poverty using a holistic and time-bound approach.

• Components:

  • Asset transfer (e.g., livestock or equipment)

  • Skills training (for income generation)

  • Weekly stipends (for basic needs until income begins)

  • Health education and services

  • Financial literacy and savings facilitation

  • Regular coaching and mentorship

• Focus Areas: Rural households, especially women-led families, in extreme poverty.

b. Early Childhood Development (ECD)

• Goal: Improve cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development of children under 5.

• Approach: Community-based ECD centers

• Activities:

  • Training of caregivers and parents

  • Nutrition and health education

  • Learning-through-play curriculum

c. Youth Empowerment

• Focus on skills training, entrepreneurship support, and job linkage for young people.

• Some pilots or partnerships may involve digital skills or agricultural entrepreneurship.

3. Partnerships and Support

• Funding Partners: Includes foundations such as Mastercard Foundation and other donors.

• Government Collaboration: Works in alignment with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1).

4. Impact and Scale (as of last available data)

• Districts of Operation: Initially piloted in a few districts, such as Bugesera and Kayonza.

• Beneficiaries: Thousands of ultra-poor households enrolled in UPG programs.

• Key Outcomes:

  • Increased household incomes

  • Improved food security

  • Better school attendance for children

  • Enhanced women’s empowerment

5. Future Plans

• Expand the UPG program to more districts.

• Explore partnerships to integrate digital finance and climate resilience.

• Strengthen local systems by training community-based staff and working with government structures.