Centre Ubuntu - Vision, Aims & Charter

Vision

Ubuntu means the essence of humanity, generosity. The project of the Centre Ubuntu is to build and set up a community centre with and for the women from ABIHUJE so that they can thrive by sharing activities, learn from each other and regain confidence in themselves and in their qualities.

The centre Ubuntu was also conceived to give children from Bwira the chance to grow up in peace, and to go beyond the recent history of war, genocide, trauma and prison that their parents

Imagine...
If it were you, near your house, in your town. Over there, they don't talk of towns, they talk of hills.
The country of the thousand hills.

Imagine...
A house that is different from any other, a symbolic place where your humanity meets the humanity of others.

You are always welcome.
Freedom and respect are one, you are at home.
A sharing space, the house where you are allowed to receive and to give.

One day your children will show this house to your grand-children and say:
"We were brought up in dignity!"

Aims

We believe that everyone has an intrinsic value and has gifts to share. In post-genocide Rwanda, more than ever, it is vital to go beyond differences, to be and to do together. The Centre Ubuntu aims at fostering mutually supportive relationships through a skills exchange scheme and collective projects, in order to facilitate communication between members and to help them meet their basic needs.

We are currently supporting the basket-making craftwork of the women from Abihuje and are planning the re-introduce organic farming in Bwira. The centre Ubuntu will be built with local material and using renewable energy.

Through our activities in developed countries, we want to demonstrate that what we are doing in Rwanda is connected to what we do here, that getting involved on a personal level to help others brings joy, whilst taking the responsibility of our own humanity.

Charter

1. Giving what is possible, so that giving brings joy and fulfilment
2. Giving, knowing that intermediaries are minimal
3. Giving and receiving = getting to know each other, expanding our own perspective, exchanging skills and experiences
4. Giving with respect, without wanting to change the other, and allowing him/her to give in return
5. Raising awareness about everyone’s potential, helping each other to thrive and develop confidence