Gakenke Parents Celebrate Transformation Through the Bandebereho Program
- RWAMREC
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
September 30, 2025
Today joy and pride filled the air in the Ruli and Gatonde hospital catchment areas of Gakenke District as hundreds of parents gathered to celebrate a new chapter in their lives. The occasion was the graduation of couples from the Bandebereho group education sessions, a program implemented by RWAMREC that promotes men’s engagement in maternal and child health, positive parenting, caregiving, and family violence prevention.
A Celebration Rooted in Community
The ceremonies were organized at the cell level and officiated by the Mayor of Gakenke District, together with other district and health authorities. They took place during the weekly community dialogues (Inteko z’abaturage) and coincided with the closing of the Gender Accountability Days—making the events both a celebration and a call for continued gender equality and family wellbeing.
An estimated 38,180 community members attended the celebrations, including 17,814 men and 20,366 women aged 18 and above. The turnout reflected how deeply the program has resonated within the community, inspiring both men and women to work together for stronger, healthier families.
Empowered Families, Stronger Communities
During this graduation cycle, 1,908 couples successfully completed the Bandebereho group education sessions, facilitated by dedicated Community Health Workers (CHWs) trained and supported by RWAMREC. These sessions equip couples with practical tools to strengthen communication, share caregiving roles, and build non-violent, respectful relationships.
The impact was evident in the heartfelt testimonies shared by graduates. Many couples spoke about how the sessions had transformed their relationships—reducing conflicts, improving cooperation at home, and deepening mutual respect.
“Before Bandebereho, I thought childcare was only for mothers. Now, I help bathe and feed our baby, and my wife and I make decisions together,” shared one father proudly during the ceremony.
Strengthening Families Through Commitment
Beyond personal transformation, the program also strengthened community ties and family stability. Remarkably, 109 couples pledged to legalize their marriages as part of their commitment to a more equal and supportive partnership. Thirty-two couples have already formalized their unions, while 77 others are set to do so soon.
These public commitments underscore one of the program’s central messages: engaging men as partners and caregivers is key to achieving gender equality and promoting healthier, happier families.
Leaders Applaud and Renew Commitment
Leaders from the district, health facilities, and the Rwanda National Police commended the efforts of RWAMREC and CHWs for their dedication and results. They pledged to continue supporting the Bandebereho Program and encouraged other couples to join future cycles.
“What we are witnessing today is a transformation that starts in families and spreads across communities,” said the Mayor of Gakenke District. “When men and women learn to share responsibilities and respect one another, everyone benefits—especially our children.”
A Vision for the Future
As the ceremonies concluded, the sense of unity and hope was palpable. Graduating couples received certificates of completion, marking not just the end of a training but the beginning of a lifelong journey toward equality, love, and shared responsibility.
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