The word 'ABANA' means 'children' in the Rwandan language Kinyarwanda. This name was chosen by our founding committee in the belief that by supporting projects, which directly improve outcomes for poor children, we will help build a better future for them and their families.

 

ABANA incorporated was founded in Sydney, Australia by Rwandan Australian, Christine Murorunkwere, Helen Gracie, Jo Guberina, Nic Martyr and Margaret Salem. Click here to read more about Our Story.

 

To date, the main focus of our objectives has been the remote communities of Rugerero, Rusuzumiro and Muganza in Southern Province, Rwanda. Since the first project in 2004, ABANA has been involved with a network of charity, community and religious groups in Australia and Rwanda, working together on an increasing number of projects.

 

What makes ABANA different from other NGOs is that we have no salaried staff; our corporate sponsors and volunteers cover most of our costs. By operating in this way, we are able to ensure that expenses are kept to a minimum and donations reach targeted community projects in areas of greatest need. Most importantly, the close connection we have with Rwanda, gives us the cultural understanding needed to assist in remote regions where infrastructure is so limited and few other NGOs venture.