About us
African Evangelistic Enterprise Rwanda
AEE Rwanda partners with communities, government and the local church, to bring hope, dignity and transformation through faith and community-driven development.
Our History
AEE Rwanda was founded in 1984 by Israel Havugimana, a man devoted to peace, healing, and reconciliation. It was a small movement with just seven staff committed to serving local people in partnership with the church. In a devastating turn of events, Israel and two AEE Rwanda staff lost their lives during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi population. Up until today, the Havugimana Israel Guest House continues to honour his legacy.
After 1994, AEE Rwanda rebuilt its programs and its team to expand the mission to serve people in their darkest hours with compassion, faith and practical help. Over the next decade, it learned the importance of partnerships, self-empowerment and equipping people, even the poorest in a community, to take responsibility for their own development. It is from this period that the oft-used phrase ‘word and deed’ arose. It is a clear understanding that faith is seen in deeds or good works, as well as heard in words (Frequently Asked Questions).
Who We Are Today
AEE Rwanda serves thousands of people each year through work across five key sectors: children and education, youth empowerment, women and families, resilience and livelihoods, and evangelism. Across these areas, our programs focus on equipping individuals with skills, improving access to services, strengthening social and economic resilience, and supporting both practical and spiritual well-being.
Our work is rooted in strong partnerships. We collaborate closely with local leaders, community groups, government institutions and church networks to ensure that change is community-driven and sustainable. These relationships help us reach the people who need support most and ensure that progress continues long after individual projects end.
With more than 166 staff and thousands of volunteers, AEE Rwanda operates in 29 of the country’s 30 districts. Our deep local presence, grassroots knowledge and commitment to innovation enable us to achieve meaningful, long-term transformation in communities across Rwanda
Our Purpose
Our Mission
A Rwanda where individuals and communities experience lasting spiritual, social & economic transformation.
Our Vision
To bring hope & holistic transformation across Rwanda in partnership with local churches and communities as we express faith in word and deed.
Our Values
Faith, Compassion, Integrity, Partnership, Empowerment, Dignity & Sustainable Change
Our Team
Behind every organisation, project and story of impact is a team of passionate leaders committed to transforming lives. At AEE Rwanda, our leadership and staff bring together faith, experience, expertise and dedication to serve Rwanda’s most vulnerable populations and communities.
Liliose Karigirwa Tayi
Dr Bishop Gahima Manasseh
John Kalenzi
Dr Fred Mugisha
Wilson Kabagamba
Emmanuel Cyuma
Charlotte Usanase
