Umuganda

The word Umuganda means ‘coming together in common purpose to achieve an outcome’. In traditional Rwandan culture, members of the community would call upon their family, friends and neighbours to help them complete a difficult task.

Modern day Umuganda can be described as community work. Reintroduced in 1998 after the genocide it was institutionalized in 2007. On the last Saturday of each month, communities come together to do a variety of public works. This often includes infrastructure development and environmental protection. Rwandans between 18 and 65 are obliged to participate in Umuganda. Expatriates living in Rwanda are encouraged to take part.

Today close to 80% of Rwandans take part in monthly community work. Successful projects include the building of schools, medical centres and hydro electric plants as well as rehabilitating wetlands and creating highly productive agricultural plots.

While the main purpose of Umuganda is to undertake community work, it also serves as a forum for leaders at each level of government to inform citizens about important news. Community members are also able to discuss any problems they or the community are facing and to propose solutions together. This time is also used for evaluating what they have achieved and for planning activities for the next Umuganda a month later.

*Not an Easter egg hunt but Umuganda at Urukundo.
*Kenilla
*Soso
*Chefs chopping food