Centre Socioculturel Twese Hamwe (Together as One) was founded in 1998 in response to the tragic events of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. This dark period left behind deep wounds, including widespread mistrust even within families and visible trauma throughout the country. In the face of this, a group of women from Kacyiru, Kigali, united to contribute to rebuilding their nation by aligning with the government’s initiative to create structures supporting women. As the need for assistance grew, particularly among children seeking survival and the chance to return to school, the women established a literacy center for both children and adults. By 2002, the center had 80 beneficiaries, and the team expanded to include a dedicated trainer. Initially, they organized weekly gatherings for neighborhood children involving games, songs, and dances. Over time, children from surrounding areas joined, many from families so vulnerable they couldn’t afford to send their children to school. This marked the beginning of a community-driven effort to restore hope, foster learning, and provide opportunities for the most disadvantaged.
We believe in empowering vulnerable children, youth, and senior citizens to lead fulfilling lives, fostering independence, self-confidence, and resilience, particularly in our senior day care programs.
We place a high value on education as a means to empower individuals and communities, recognizing its potential to break cycles of poverty and inequality.
We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our interactions and transactions, building trust and credibility within our community and with our stakeholders.
We are committed to transparency in our operations and decision-making processes, providing open access to information about our activities and finances.
Stars That Shine In Our History
Eight visionary women joined forces to create Sociocultural Center Twese Hamwe. These extraordinary founders were the passionate architects of our mission, driven by an unwavering determination to contribute to Rwanda’s reconstruction after the 1994 genocide. Today, we pay tribute to these exceptional women, who ignited the flame of hope and whose legacy continues to inspire everything we do.
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Bernadette UMURERWA“As president for 24 years, I have had the privilege of playing a central role in the development and growth of our NGO. Guided by a passionate vision of community empowerment, I have been involved in every step, from designing innovative programs to mobilizing resources for the construction of vital infrastructure. Witnessing the tangible transformations in the lives our NGO has touched fills me with gratitude and optimism for the future, confident that our organization will continue to positively impact communities for years to come.”
Claudine UWASE.“As a staff member of Centre Socioculturel Twese Hamwe for a decade, my journey has been profoundly enriching. I have had the privilege of contributing to meaningful projects, including the vocational training program. Over the years, I have witnessed the tangible impact of our actions on the lives of beneficiaries, which strengthens my belief in the humanitarian mission of our NGO. It is with immense pride and gratitude that I continue to work for this cause, which remains at the heart of my professional commitment.”
Claire NYANZIRA.“A few years ago, I had the enriching opportunity to attend a training program in culinary arts and hospitality, an experience that profoundly influenced my professional life. This training allowed me to acquire high-quality practical skills in the culinary field while developing a deeper understanding of the hospitality industry. Thanks to this program, I was able not only to enhance my job prospects but also to build my self-confidence. I look back on this opportunity with gratitude, as it opened doors and contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth.”