The Bethesda Project was implemented in partnership with the Outreach Development Ministry (ODM) from the United Kingdom. Its primary goal is to improve the lives of vulnerable people and individuals living with disabilities, as well as their families, by providing social, educational, and economic support.
Main Objectives and Activities
Capacity Building and Club Support
- Training facilitators on first aid for individuals with fragile health.
- Increasing participation in clubs, monitoring their activities, and strengthening members’ skills.
- Training volunteers to support and supervise the clubs.
Youth Awareness and Entrepreneurship
- Sensitizing parish leaders and youth representatives from the parishes of Ruziba, Kabezi, Kanyosha, Cibitoke, Saint Emmanuel of Gikungu, Gatumba, and Gihanga on entrepreneurship.
- Identifying income-generating activities with the youth and providing financial support for the projects established by their groups.
Socialization and Inclusion through Sports
- Organizing sports events among youth from the parishes of Cibitoke, Ngagara, Rohero, and Saint Emmanuel of Gikungu to strengthen social cohesion and inclusivity.
- Over 500 young people participated in these events, accompanied by their pastors.
Supported Groups and Income-Generating Activities
The youth were organized into various groups and received financial support for their chosen activities:
- Kabezi: Goat farming
- Ruziba: Poultry farming
- Kanyosha: Trade/Commerce
- Gikungu: Pig farming
- Cibitoke: Pig farming
- Gihanga: Agriculture
- Gatumba: Microcredit
Some participants were vulnerable youth, while others were physically disabled, highlighting the inclusive approach of the project.
Beneficiaries
- 7 parish leaders and 35 youth representatives attended the training and awareness sessions.
The project reached over 500 young people across different parishes, providing them with opportunities for personal, social, and economic development.