As a Jesuit Centre, JUC advocates for social justice and uphold dignity for all. Thus, we conduct research on current, pressing challenges in Rwanda. In addition, we are continuously assessing changes and trends that have impact on the social development of Rwandan population. We do this by conducting research, which we provide to policy planners and program developers. We also offer platform for dialogue and advocacy. Finally, disseminate the findings of our research to the public.
1. Root causes of domestic violence in Rwandan families
In early 2022, Jesuit Urumuri Centre in collaboration with Nyina w’umuntu Organization brought together political actors, religious leaders and members of the civil society for a discussion on the findings from the research project on domestic violence in Rwanda.
This project was initiated in 2018 by Jesuit Urumuri Centre and Nyina w’umuntu organization. Prof. Laetitia Nyirazinyoye from the University of Rwanda presented the objectives, methodology, results of the findings and recommendations of the research.
2. Laudato Si’ International Conference
On the occasion of the 5th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’, JUC organized and held at its premises an international conference in October 2020. The theme of the conference was “youth engagement in environmental protection”, and was attended by guests that included scholars, pastors, civil servants and environment activists
The consensus in what was discussed at the conference was that the youth need to be more conscious of the environment and that they need to advocate for its conservation. The conference gave birth to the Environment Stewardship Program.
3. Environment Stewardship
Environmental conservation through improved land utilization to support school feeding for vulnerable children in the Archdiocese of Kigali
This project was initiated to address two things. The first was to answer Pope Francis’ call he made in his encyclical Laudato Si’ to care for our common home. The second was to support the government’s school feeding program by ensuring students have access to nutrient meals that include fruits at schools.
JUC partnered with 14 schools where the centre allocated 400 trees to be planted at each school. Tree planting of avocado, orange, passion fruit and papaya trees was done in October 2022. JUC also trained 2 teachers from each school who then formed environment clubs. These clubs averaging 30 members per school meet once a week to discuss environment conservation and how best to care for the fruit trees.
Throughout 2025 trees are bearing fruit and students are consuming the fruits.
This year also, JUC has identified 50 more schools to partner with for the intention of planting more fruit trees during this final quarter of the year.
