On 4^th December 2020, MINEMA and the World Bank launched the construction activities of 40 classrooms in Gisagara District as part of the Social Economic Inclusion of Refugees and Host Communities-Project (Jya Mbere Project) activities to curb overcrowding in classrooms and reduce distance travelled by students.

The construction activities in Gisagara are expected to be completed in February 2021 and will serve about 2000 students. 210 more classrooms will be constructed in Gicumbi, Gatsibo, Kirehe and Nyamagabe Districts.

On 16th May, 2019, the Government of Rwanda and World Bank Group signed a US$60 million financing agreement (approximately Frw 54 Billion) to improve access to basic services and economic opportunities for refugees and host communities, and support environmental management in the six districts in Rwanda that host refugee camps.

The Minister in charge of Emergency Management Hon. Marie Solange KAYISIRE said Jya Mbere project is in line with Rwanda’s commitments to enhance socio economic inclusion of refugees.

“Jya Mbere project is aligned with the Comprehensive refugee response framework (CRRF), Global compact on refugees and Rwanda’s commitments to enhance socio economic inclusion of refugees. The project will upgrade schools, health centers, roads, market facilities, water supply systems and sanitation facilities in refugee camps hosting Districts, and fund job skills training as well as access to finance to support employment and livelihood that will uplift self-reliance for both refugees and host communities.” Said Hon. Kayisire.

Jya Mbere project will also support enhanced environmental conditions by addressing the impact of refugee camps on their surroundings

“Supporting countries affected by forced displacement is a global priority for the World Bank Group. Rwanda is gaining prominence globally for its progressive approach to the challenge of forced displacement with its long-term development response that supports social and economic inclusion. The World Bank is privileged to partner with the government of Rwanda on this operation that will benefit up to 2 million Rwandese and refugees in the six districts that host refugee camps.” said Rolande Pryce, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda.

The project has four components: (a) Access to Basic Services and Socio-economic Investments; (b) Economic Opportunity; (c) Environmental Management; and (d) Project Management/Monitoring &Evaluation. It is implemented in six (6) Districts hosting refugees; Gatsibo, Gicumbi, Gisagara, Karongi, Nyamagabe and Kirehe Districts hosting respectively refugee camps of Nyabiheke, Gihembe, Mugombwa, Kiziba, Kigeme and Mahama.