Solace Ministries, in partnership with Comfort International, is dedicated to bring hope and transformation to those most in need through various different projects. This interim report (sent by our partners mid-year) shows the impactful activities undertaken over the first six months of the year, reflecting a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals through taking care of orphan-headed households, providing care and attention to the elderly, offering skills through technical and vocational education and training, and contributing to house construction and renovations.
Sponsorship for beneficiaries
Throughout this year, Solace has facilitated sponsorship of 47 individuals. In March 2024, beneficiaries of sponsorship from Comfort International provided updates and pictures to keep sponsors informed about the progress and impact of their support. The updates included different information such as life in general, challenges faced in the last year of 2023 and how they overcame them, successful achievement in the last year and future plans. These updates allowed sponsors to see the results and impact of their sponsorship through these updates.
House building
At the end of June 2024, a Comfort International team visited Rwanda with the main purpose of visiting the house of Venancie Mukansanga, a childless, widowed survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and a member of the Jari community, whom they had met the previous year at the end of their visit. Venancie was living in unfinished house, and they provided help by cementing the external and internal walls, floors, and installing electricity in her house. This act of kindness brought joy to Venancie; she expressed her deep gratitude for their support. During their visit, they also engaged with other community members of Jari, passing on greetings from the Rock Community Church in Dumbarton. The team shared meals, worshipped together, danced, and Callum Henderson shared the word of God with the community.
Sponsorship of elderly Rukumberi community
On 12th June, the Solace Team conducted a community visit to the Rukumberi community, aiming to distribute sponsorship to 45 elderly individuals (37 women and 8 men). The visit also included sharing the Word of God, praise, and worship with the community members. This visit served as an opportunity for Solace Team to engage with the community and provide sponsorship to its elderly beneficiaries among other members of the community.
Christmas celebration
On 23rd February 2024, Solace staff conducted a community visit of the Rukumberi community and held a Christmas celebration. The event was filled with joy, with the 160 community members who came together to enjoy the celebration. It was a wonderful experience to see the presence of community members in the event, despite the majority of attendees being elderly.
Solace Ministries in partnership with Comfort International distributed gifts to people in need, selected by the community members. The community members expressed deep gratitude for the thoughtful action, highlighting the impact of such acts of kindness on their lives. They were overwhelmed and surprised because they weren’t expecting anything. Every person was gifted with an envelope of 12,300 RWF (around £7) on that day of Christmas celebration.
Vocational Training
This year, Solace Ministries supported 6 students to begin vocational training to learn skills to start their own businesses. This will help students in acquiring knowledge and skills necessary for a brighter future and will help those students in seeking job opportunities, practical skills development, faster entry into the work force, economic stability and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Conclusion
Comfort International’s SOS (Sponsor an Orphan or Survivor) Programme and Solace Ministries have made a positive impact in these past six months by partnering to provide support to orphan-headed households, care for the elderly, provision of vocational education skills, and helping with house renovation, showing commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals.
Solace Ministries is grateful for the partnership with Comfort International, recognizing the helpful opportunity it provides to extend support to those in need and experiencing hardship. It touches both God’s heart and builds our hope for strong and healthy communities.
Report by Uwineza Angelique of Solace Ministries
