Written by Leonard Harerimana – SACOLA & Sabyinyo Communications Officer, Wilderness Rwanda
SACOLA Hands Over 12 Homes to Vulnerable Families
The power of partnership was celebrated this July as SACOLA (Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association), a long-standing community partner of Wilderness Sabyinyo, officially handed over six each brand-new homes to vulnerable families in the Kinigi and Nyange sectors respectively.
The handover ceremony was filled with joyful song and dance as beneficiary families, community members and local leaders gathered to celebrate a life-changing milestone. The homes are a visible reminder of how responsible tourism can create lasting benefits for neighbouring communities.
The project was made possible through the powerful partnership between Wilderness Sabyinyo and SACOLA, using revenue generated from lodge rental fees and community levies paid by Wilderness guests. This funding continues to support socio-economic development initiatives that improve the lives of people living alongside Volcanoes National Park.
A new beginning for Murekatete
Among the beneficiaries was Murekatete, a widow and mother of six who lives near Wilderness Sabyinyo. Her journey has been marked by hardship and resilience.
After losing her husband while living as a refugee in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Murekatete faced the enormous challenge of raising her six children alone. Determined to rebuild her family’s future, she returned to Rwanda, where she received a warm welcome from her community. Despite this support, she had no permanent place to call home.
Local leaders and neighbours assisted her with food and a temporary room while they sought a lasting solution. When SACOLA received a request from local authorities on her behalf, the organisation responded swiftly, building her a safe and dignified home.
As she received the keys to her new house, Murekatete’s joy was unmistakable. Surrounded by family, neighbours and fellow beneficiaries, she celebrated with dancing and heartfelt gratitude – a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that secure housing can have on a family’s future.
More than a house
Each of the 12 families received a fully equipped home designed to provide safety, comfort and dignity.
Every household includes:
* A modern house with a separate kitchen and an outdoor bathroom
* A plastic water storage tank
* A sofa set for the living room
* Two beds with mattresses
* Essential food supplies, including a bag of rice, beans, cooking oil and soap
* Kitenge fabric for the family
The total investment in the housing project amounts to RWF192 million (around USD132,000), reflecting SACOLA’s continued commitment to improving community wellbeing.
Conservation creates opportunity
Local leaders attending the ceremony expressed their appreciation for the enduring partnership between Wilderness Sabyinyo and SACOLA, noting that the collaboration continues to deliver meaningful improvements to local livelihoods.
They also encouraged community members to remain active partners in conservation, emphasising that protecting Volcanoes National Park is essential for sustaining tourism revenues that fund projects such as these.
This initiative stands as another example of how conservation, tourism and community partnership work together to create lasting opportunities. Every guest who visits Wilderness Sabyinyo contributes to a shared vision where thriving communities and protected landscapes go hand in hand.
