Projects continue grassroots impact in Jamaica and Rwanda

Savings have quadrupled in Village Savings and Loan Associations in Rwanda, with 91 per cent of members actively investing in their future. 

GLOBAL FOCUS with Simone Worthing

Could you find Jamaica and Rwanda on a map?

The Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO) works globally with local corps and centres to help change the lives of some of the world’s poorest, most vulnerable, and suffering individuals.

Over the coming months, Global Focus will feature some of the projects SAWSO is driving and the impact these are having in local communities.

JAMAICA: INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

The Salvation Army Arthur Wint Basic School in Lucea, Hanover, Jamaica, is setting a powerful example in inclusive education, where children with special needs learn alongside their peers in a welcoming and supportive environment.

At the core of this effort is a thoughtfully designed sensory room featuring a textured sequin wall, a large block-building area, a ball pit, and indoor sensory swings. This space supports up to 20 children, promoting acceptance, equal opportunity, and a

strong sense of belonging.

The impact extends beyond the sensory room. By providing every student with the tools they need to thrive, the school nurtures empathy, cooperation, and a culture of understanding across the entire community. Through this commitment to inclusion, The Salvation Army is helping all children reach their full potential together.

RWANDA: SAVINGS & LOANS

In Rwanda’s Muko neighbourhood, many small-scale farmers struggle with low crop yields that lead to financial hardships and limited access to nutritious food. Seeing the community’s great need, SAWSO stepped in with a transformative project that has helped 500 farmers increase their resilience through agricultural training, financial literacy, and livestock support.

Since the project’s launch in 2022, maize and bean yields have significantly increased, and vegetable revenue has more than quadrupled. Savings through Village Savings and Loan Associations have grown substantially, with most members actively borrowing and reinvesting in their farms.

Increased livestock ownership has also provided families with a steady source of dairy, meat, and eggs, improving household nutrition. Today, 99 per cent of families maintain kitchen gardens, and nearly all consume a more diverse diet containing at least four food groups.

With stronger harvests, greater financial stability, and improved nutrition, farmers in Muko are building a more resilient and food-secure future for themselves and their community.