Access to water for a Rwandan school with 450 pupils

Jesuits in Rwanda is an organization whose mission is to manage works of education, teaching, training, socio-economic development, cultural promotion and humanitarian aid. Its activities are open to all Rwandans and foreigners, regardless of gender or religion.

In Rwanda's Rusizi district, the Mizero school first took in orphans from the 1994 genocide, before becoming a technical secondary school. The aim continues to be to help genocide orphans unable to follow a conventional education to acquire technical skills such as sewing, cooking, plumbing, electricity and construction. Over the years, the school has taken in other young people from the region, particularly girls from poor families. Mizero has become a technical school with 450 students (2024-2025), including 290 girls.

However, the school is threatened by poor access to water. The municipal water supply does not meet the quality standards expected of drinking water, and is subject to numerous supply interruptions. Rainwater is untreated and scarce during the dry season (June to September and December to February). Water from the nearby lake is also untreated. Numerous water shortages put the school and local residents at risk, and sometimes disrupt school activities.

To put an end to these difficulties, the school has called in technicians to explore drilling possibilities. The project supported by the Veolia Foundation involves digging a well to tap this water source located on the school's plot. This access to clean, natural water will contribute to Mizero's sustainability.