‘Coming Home’: A Program Keeps the Rwandan Community in Australia Connected to Their Motherland

During the last festive season, Rwandans living in Australia returned to their homeland as part of a program called ‘Coming Home’. As part of this initiative, they engaged in meaningful activities, including donating Rwf 4,000,000 to the national school feeding program through the Dusangire Lunch (Let Us Share Lunch) campaign and attending the Meet and Greet with the Diaspora event. Each year, the Rwandan diaspora in Australia participates in the Coming Home program, designed to strengthen their ties with Rwanda. This year, approximately 70 individuals traveled to Rwanda during the festive se

During the last festive season, Rwandans living in Australia returned to their homeland as part of a program called ‘Coming Home’. As part of this initiative, they engaged in meaningful activities, including donating Rwf 4,000,000 to the national school feeding program through the Dusangire Lunch (Let Us Share Lunch) campaign and attending the Meet and Greet with the Diaspora event. Each year, the Rwandan diaspora in Australia participates in the Coming Home program, designed to strengthen their ties with Rwanda. This year, approximately 70 individuals traveled to Rwanda during the festive season, spanning the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. While in Kigali, participants engaged in activities aimed at contributing to Rwanda’s development and fostering stronger connections between Rwandans living abroad and those at home. On Friday, January 3, 2025, members of the Rwandan diaspora, including representatives from Australia, attended the Meet and Greet with the Diaspora event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation headquarters in Kimihurura, Kigali. During the event, attendees received updates on key national initiatives, including investment opportunities, land registration services, and ID services. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, commended the diaspora community for their significant role in national development. He highlighted that remittances from Rwandans abroad amounted to $505 million (over Rwf 705 billion) in 2023. The minister encouraged the diaspora to continue contributing to Rwanda’s progress in various ways. “Over the years, members of the Rwandan Community Abroad have actively participated in national matters, including raising awareness about Rwanda’s history,” Nduhungirehe said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, commended the diaspora community for their significant role in national development.

“Remember, wherever you are, you represent Rwanda. When people see you, they see Rwanda. Keep up the good work and stand for the country.” On the same day, the Rwandan community in Australia presented their contribution of Rwf 4,000,000 to the national school feeding program through the Dusangire Lunch campaign.

On 3rd January 2025, the Rwandan community in Australia submitted their contribution of 4 million RWF to the Dusangire Lunch program.

Speaking on behalf of the Rwandan community in Australia, Renatus Murindangabo, Chairman of the Rwandan Community in Australia (RCA) in Queensland, emphasized their commitment to connecting with more Rwandans and investors while exploring opportunities through the Coming Home campaign. “We are actively mobilizing members to participate. However, we’ve faced communication challenges due to the vast distance between Australia and Rwanda,” Murindangabo explained. He also highlighted the community’s efforts to improve communication through their website, Hobe Australia, which publishes timely and reliable news about Rwanda. “These initiatives have strengthened our engagement and ensured that no one is left behind,” he added.

Renatus Murindangabo is the Chairman of the Rwandan Community in Australia (RCA) in Queensland.

During their stay in Rwanda, the Rwandan community in Australia also participated in a friendly football match against the Rwanda Sports Journalists Association FC (AJSPOR). AJSPOR emerged victorious with a 2-1 win.

The Rwandan diaspora in Australia, wearing green, played a friendly football match with the Rwanda Sports Journalists Association FC (AJSPOR).

The match symbolized unity and collaboration between Rwandans at home and abroad, celebrating their shared culture and connections.

On Friday, January 3, 2025, members of the Rwandan diaspora, including representatives from Australia, attended the "Meet and Greet with the Diaspora" event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation headquarters in Kimihurura, Kigali.

The Coming Home program, described by the Rwandan community in Australia as an annual campaign, continues to foster meaningful relationships and contributions to their homeland.