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Our Story

A locally-led mission, nearly 25 years in the making.

From a single school in Rusororo to a recognized partner of MINALOC and Gasabo District, ASEDC has built its work around one belief: communities know their own way forward.

Our Mission

What we exist to do.

"To promote access to education; train individuals and local leaders to become professionals in their fields; reduce poverty among vulnerable groups through entrepreneurship, capacity building, and job creation; fight disease; and support street children and refugees in reintegrating into society."

We work primarily in Rusororo Sector of Gasabo District in Kigali, but our programs reach beneficiaries from across Rwanda — children, women, people living with HIV/AIDS, refugees, and youth in need of opportunity.

ASEDC staff presenting a sewing machine to a program graduate
Our Beginnings

From a single classroom to a nationally recognized NGO.

ASEDC began operations in 2002, founded by community leaders in Rusororo Sector who saw children — many orphaned by the genocide and the HIV/AIDS epidemic — without access to education. The first project was La Pépinière Primary and Nursery School, which supported 308 pupils.

Six years later, in 2008, ASEDC was officially registered under Rwandan law and published in the Official Gazette No. 91/08 by the Ministry of Justice on 15 July 2008. A subsequent registration update appeared in Gazette No. 42 BIS on 17 October 2011. Today ASEDC is a recognized partner of Gasabo District and the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC).

Our Faith

Rooted in Christian faith, open to all.

ASEDC is a Christian organization. Our faith is why we serve: caring for orphans, widows, and families in hardship is at the heart of what we believe. We serve everyone in need, regardless of their religion, and our help is never conditional on faith.

What Guides Us

Values that shape every program.

Locally led

ASEDC is Rwandan-founded and Rwandan-staffed. Decisions about what communities need are made by the people who live there.

Self-sufficiency over aid

Our programs end with graduates running businesses, cooperatives saving together, and families no longer dependent on external support.

Transparent and tax-compliant

Thirteen staff on PAYE, registered with the Rwanda Revenue Authority, and accountable to district authorities. Our books are open to partners.

Inclusion as principle

People living with HIV/AIDS, women heading households alone, youth without families, and people with disabilities are our first priority.

How We Work

Our approach in practice.

Three principles that distinguish ASEDC's programs from short-term aid.

01

We meet immediate needs first.

Children need food and a safe school before they can learn. Women living with HIV need income before they can plan a future. We don't skip the basics.

02

Then we build skills that pay.

WDA-certified vocational training. Tool kits on graduation. Saving groups. The goal isn't a certificate — it's a livelihood that survives without us.

03

Finally, we hand it over.

Cooperatives are owned by their members. Saving groups manage their own funds. ASEDC's role shrinks as community capacity grows.

Credentials

Registration and recognition.

Legal Status

Officially registered under Rwandan law and published in the Official Gazette No. 91/08 by the Ministry of Justice on 15 July 2008, with subsequent registration in Gazette No. 42 BIS on 17 October 2011.

Government Partners

Recognized partner of Gasabo District and the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC). Tax-compliant employer with 13 staff registered with the Rwanda Revenue Authority.