Rwanda’s transformational journey sustained by national culture
After the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis, Rwanda’s social fabric was shattered, people were broken, the institutions were completely destroyed. Against all odds, Rwanda embarked on a journey of reconstruction, development and, more recently, socio-economic transformation. To take on this daunting task both the leadership of Rwanda and its citizens came together and tapped into their most valuable and resilient asset, their shared national culture, to deal with the challenges they were facing using homegrown solutions.
Transformational Governance
The transformation of Rwanda was made possible through collective action that brought citizens and their leadership into close interaction to find solutions to the problems they were facing. The central element of this collaboration has been a desire to transform society by putting forward the defense of the general interest, contrary to past eras. One of the first steps in this transformation has been the restoration of peace and security for all
Rwanda’s Homegrown Solutions
Rwanda’s Home Grown Solutions (HGSs) are governance innovations that provide unconventional responses to societal challenges unlikely to be addressed through conventional means.
HGSs are based on national heritage, historical consciousness and strive for self-reliance.
HGSs have been enablers for [stability and accountability] but also drivers of socio-economic transformation in Rwanda.
Rwanda’s Homegrown Solutions at a Glance
GACACA
Community justice system that tried 1,958,633 Genocide cases (2002 – 2012)
UMUGANDA
Voluntary community work with a 91% average national participation in 2015-16
GIRINKA
More than 280,000 vulnerable families recieved a cow, sharply reducing child malnutrition rate in the country.
UBUDEHE
Community collaboration fighting poverty – recipient of 2008 United Nations Public Service Award for excellence in service delivery
ABUNZI
Mediation committees – handled 11,734 cases and only 1900 were filed in ordinary courts in 2015-16.
NATIONAL UMUSHYIKIRANO COUNCIL
Through unfiltred citizens’ interventions on different media platforms during UMUSHYIKIRANO, pressing citizens’ demands are being addressed every year.
Key Indicators
We are no longer looking for outside solutions to internal issues because homegrown ideas provide the answer, not only for development but also for the restoration of dignity
Rwanda’s Strategic Choices
Unity
All country’s institutions and policies are geared towards strengthening national unity.
Accountability
Public probity and accountability towards the citizens are cardinal values of the country’s development process.
Thinking Big
Rwanda’s development ambitions aim to reach Upper Middle Income by 2035 and High Income by 2050
About
Following the devastating 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda has embarked on a journey of reconstruction, development and, more recently, socio-economic transformation.
This platform documents the approaches, policies, and programs that are fueling that journey. We welcome you to learn about Rwanda’s experience thus far.
This platform documents the approaches, policies, and programs that are fueling that journey. We welcome you to learn about Rwanda’s experience thus far.
Contact
Please talk to us at Hello@hgs.rgb.rw