World Vision Rwanda, a branch of the global Christian humanitarian organization, launched its ‘THRIVE 2030’ project on September 24, in partnership with the Rwandan government, faith-based organisations, and other key stakeholders.

The programme aims at lifting over 1.3 million people (324,010 households) out of poverty by the year 2030.

The project will create spaces for productive, profitable, and sustainable livelihoods, ensuring long-term self-reliance for targeted households in 52 sectors across 14 districts in the country.

This ambitious seven-year programme aims to provide everyone where this programme is being implemented, with access to the transformational resources needed to overcome poverty.

The project’s budget stands at $18.8 million, with World Vision Rwanda committing $9.46 million from sponsorship programmes and securing an additional $9.34 million in new funding from World Vision United States (WVUS).

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A continuation of THRIVE 1.0’s success

‘THRIVE 2030’ builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor, ‘THRIVE 1.0’, which was implemented from 2017 to 2023 and benefited 15,287 households across four districts.

Key lessons from ‘THRIVE 1.0’ include the empowerment of 96.8 per cent of the beneficiaries who reported increased participation in savings groups and the 72.8 per cent who accessed financial products through Vision Fund. The success of ‘THRIVE 1.0’ has established a solid foundation for expanding the impact of ‘THRIVE 2030.’

Project targets and approach

The ‘THRIVE 2030’ project will roll out in two phases: In the first phase (2024–2027), 162,005 households, including 50,000 ultra-poor graduation households (approximately 220,000 people), will receive support.

This cohort will benefit from THRIVE’s evidence-based interventions for three-and-a-half years, aimed at mindset change, collective action, financial inclusion, and market systems development. From 2027 to 2030, the second cohort of 162,005 households will be enrolled, completing the project’s target.

The project is closely aligned with World Vision’s national office strategy, particularly focusing on enhancing household income and access to food and natural resources, and crucial elements in securing the well-being of children.

‘THRIVE 2030’ is also expected to enhance resilience against economic crises and climate risks by developing secure and sustainable livelihoods.

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Key project interventions

To achieve its ambitious goals, the ‘THRIVE 2030’ project will leverage several models:

Savings for transformation (S4T), which means savings groups will be formed and sustained, offering group members access to loans and other financial products through Vision Fund’s Finance Accelerating Savings Transformation (FAST) loans. These loans are made to support income-generating activities and further financial inclusion.

Market Systems Development (iMSD): The project will facilitate local value chain development and inclusive market systems, enabling smallholder farmers and producers to connect with larger markets, reduce post-harvest losses, and add value to their products.

Biblical Empowered Worldview (BEWV): The project will encourage mindset change through a Biblical Empowered Worldview approach. Community members, including women, youth, and vulnerable groups, will be trained and enabled to participate in community activities, fuelling behavioral change towards self-reliance.

Pauline Okumu, National Director of World Vision Rwanda, noted that with the launch of this new phase, World Vision embarked on a new chapter, building on the remarkable success of the previous phases while expanding reach and ambition.

Okumu highlighted that the graduation programme stands as evidence of the power of partnership and collaboration with the Government of Rwanda, particularly with the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) and other stakeholders, as it has demonstrated that together, "we can achieve extraordinary outcomes.”

She said: "This approach has already seen over 69,000 households graduate from extreme poverty to self-reliance. These families are now in a better position to provide for their children, directly improving their well-being.

"This project that we’re launching today will focus on social behavior change, financial inclusion, value chain development, market system, and climate adaptation. Integrating proven models such as the empowered worldview, saving for transformation and an inclusive market system will ensure that the community not only survives but truly thrives,” she added.

Jean Claude Musabyimana, the Minister of Local Government, praised the initiative as a crucial pillar in Rwanda’s broader strategy to eliminate poverty, emphasizing that World Vision is an important partner in the country’s progress.

He noted that World Vision has contributed to various initiatives and more in rural areas, including providing water, schools, and markets.

"We want everyone to get themselves out of poverty, and World Vision helps us in that effort. We follow up with those receiving support to ensure goals are achieved. They should work harder, utilize available resources, and seize the opportunities provided by the country, including government policies like ‘Kora Wigire’ and others,” he said.

Father Augustin Nzabonimana, Director of Caritas in Byumba Diocese, Gicumbi District, representing the Catholic Church, encouraged believers to embrace the project. He reminded them that while praying for miracles is important, hard work is essential. "God blesses the hands that work,” he said.