For over twenty years, Building Bridges with Rwanda has connected communities in Canada and Rwanda through reciprocal learning, community stewardship, and storytelling.
A vibrant and resilient community, flourishing through the power of cross-cultural reconciliation, mutual respect, and collaboration.
Empower communities by facilitating cross-cultural exchanges of reconciliation knowledge, fostering understanding, healing, and unity.
From 2008 to 2013 alone, BBR hosted over six hundred visitors in Rwanda — volunteers who worked side-by-side with Rwandans building the Covaga Innovation Centre and more than thirty-six kitchen gardens for vulnerable community members. Guided by the ubuntu philosophy — "I am what I am because of who we all are" — that journey continues today.
Founding
BBR was established by Lama Mugabo to support the reconstruction of Rwanda following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis.
Fundraising
A fundraiser was organized, raising seven thousand dollars to support Covaga, a weaver's cooperative turning environmental challenges into social and economic opportunities.
Collaboration
Lama Mugabo returned to Rwanda and collaborated with various organizations supporting the country's post-genocide reconstruction and reconciliation.
Partnership
BBR partnered with Developing World Connections (DWC), recruiting volunteers for 2 to 4 weeks.
Sponsorship
Upon returning to Canada, Lama continued the work, bringing visitors from Canada to Rwanda. Two proteges, Cedric (VP) and Steven (Treasurer), both educated in Canada and the US, served on the BBR board.
RR25 Legacy Project
BBR collaborates with Hogan's Alley Society and the SFU Institute for Black and African Diaspora Research and Engagement to launch the Remember Rwanda 25 Year Legacy Project.
Reflection Tours
BBR takes people from Vancouver to Rwanda — including participation in CHOGM 2022 — to visit the projects that have transformed the nation.
Twenty years of bridges are built with many hands.
The Institute for Black and African Diaspora Research and Engagement, our academic partner in the RR25 Legacy Project and the Rwanda Sustainable Development Learning Exchange.
Co-founder of the RR25 Legacy Project, connecting Vancouver's Black community history with Rwanda's story of remembrance and renewal.
BBR's storytelling and social-enterprise arm — podcast, boutique, and documentary work that brings our mission to a wider audience.
COVAGA weavers cooperative, QuinoaHub Ltd., the Gashora Sector, Gira Ubumuntu, and Developing World Connections.