Nearly 48.8% of Rwanda’s population lives in multidimensional poverty, with an additional 22.7% vulnerable to falling into poverty. Many of these households lack the capacity to manage climate risks, further exacerbating their challenges. 44% of households have no access to safe drinking water, 28% lack sanitation, and 75% are without basic hygiene services. Despite government efforts, funding remains insufficient to meet the growing needs in addressing climate change and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) issues.

In response to these critical challenges, the Resilient Builders Initiative (RBI) was founded in 2022. This nonprofit organization unites a diverse team of experts in project management, WASH engineering, agronomy, economics, law, sociology, and environmental science. Established after the devastating 2024 floods that claimed 205 lives, including that of young Mugisha, RBI was created to support displaced families, vulnerable women and children. RBI is committed to rebuild lives, and develop sustainable solutions for climate-impacted communities, bridging the funding gap and driving lasting change.