After 17 years working at Hope and Homes for Children, our Rwanda Country Director Innocent Habimfura is sadly heading for pastures new. Hugely popular, incredibly passionate about his work, and highly-respected throughout the sector, Innocent will be truly missed – so we wanted to hear his reflections on his time at HHC, and get the benefit of his expertise one last time.
What have been your proudest moments and achievements in your time here?
My time at Hope and Homes for Children Rwanda has been filled with many transformative and impactful moments. A few stand out as especially significant:
- The first professional closure of an institution. One of my proudest achievements was contributing to the successful project that with the first professional closure of an institution for children in Rwanda – a pivotal moment in our efforts toward childcare reform. This was followed by the cabinet approval of the Rwanda National Strategy for Childcare Reform, a landmark decision that solidified the country’s commitment to creating better alternatives for children in need of care.
- Presidential support for the strategy – A moment of great pride came when the President of the Republic of Rwanda provided a brilliant response, emphasising the professionalism and comprehensive approach that would be taken to implement the national childcare reform strategy.
- Transformation of the first Residential Center for Children with Disabilities – I’m particularly proud of the transformation of the first residential center for children with disabilities into a disability-inclusive community hub. This paved the way for more inclusive community-based care that better serves children with disabilities. The presence of the Minister in charge for the entire launch day and the message from every participant in the event remains a great memory.
- Raising awareness across Rwanda – I’m also proud to have worked alongside a tasked team to conduct a nationwide campaign under the leadership of the newly established National Commission for Children (NCC) about the importance of raising children in families, not orphanages. This initiative played a key role in shifting public perception about alternative care, and was another highlight. The awareness raising was as well extended to technical working groups at national levels and it was an opportunity to continuously engage decision makers to give an important place to childcare reform.
- Building trust with institutions’ owners and managers – There were many “wow” moments when an institution owner or manager made the call to say, “We trust what you’re doing, and we’re opening our doors for your team to begin the work.” These conversations were a testament to the growing trust and collaboration that was cultivated through our efforts. I will never forget the months I spent engaging an important donor couple who had initially decided to cut their support for the education of over 200 children if those children were moved out of the orphanage. Through persistent discussions, I was able to help them shift their perspective. Together, we celebrated the realisation that supporting these children within their families was far more beneficial for their well-being and that of their families, all without requiring an increase in funding.
- Securing a dedicated cadre of staff – One of the most gratifying developments was Rwanda’s decision to recruit a dedicated team of professional social workers and psychologists to implement the national childcare reform strategy. Being part of developing training modules and delivering some of them and see the change introduced by trainees, has been indeed so gratifying. Additionally, the inclusion of volunteers known as ‘Friends of Families’ in each village to support families in need was an important step in strengthening community-based care.
- Model to support teenage mothers – I am particularly proud of the model developed to support teenage mothers, which has been met with great enthusiasm and is seen as having the potential to be replicated across the country. This initiative has provided critical resources and support to young mothers, helping them build a better future for themselves and their children.
- The Kigali Declaration on Child Care and Protection Reform – The adoption of the Kigali Declaration on Child Care and Protection Reform during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2022 was a significant milestone. This declaration set a strong foundation for regional cooperation and commitment to child welfare across the Commonwealth.
- The Rwanda’s team’s Observer Status at ACERWC – I am also proud of the adoption of Hope and Homes for Children-Rwanda as an observer at the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of Children (ACERWC), giving us a stronger voice in shaping child protection policies throughout Africa.
- Hosting Learning Exchanges – One of the highlights of my time here was hosting numerous delegations for learning exchanges. These visits allowed us to share our experiences and best practices while also learning from others to improve the impact of our work. Kenya and Uganda visits were more encouraging as they were followed by practical change.
- Technical Assistance in the region – The intensity of work in Rwanda did not exclude the team and myself to provide support through training and materials development related to childcare reform in a number of countries including Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi.
- Recognition and promotion of Malaika Murinzi – A final key achievement I’m proud of was the recognition and promotion of Malaika Murinzi (Guardian Angels) through the national celebration of foster care. It promoted foster care and brought much-needed attention to family-based care solutions for children in Rwanda.
The most beautiful and powerful aspect of our work has been witnessing the incredible transformation in the lives of children, families, and entire communities. We’ve seen families, once doubted for their ability to care for their children – especially those with disabilities – defy all expectations.
Within just a few months of reintegration, with dedicated accompaniment and support, these families have experienced remarkable change. Children who were once confined to orphanages are now thriving – happier, more confident, and fully integrated into their communities. Families, once seen as vulnerable, have become functional, resilient, and active contributors to community development.
This transformation has been nothing short of inspiring, a reminder of the boundless potential within every family when given the opportunity and support to thrive. It is this impact that makes our work so deeply gratifying and rewarding.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome during your time at HHC?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was the resistance from orphanage owners, managers, and orphanage supporters. This resistance was particularly strong among those running centres for children with disabilities, where the perception was that such institutions were the only viable option for providing specialised care.
The people involved with running or supporting orphanages often had deep personal or financial investments in the existing system. Some genuinely believed they were doing the best for children, while others feared losing their livelihoods or reputations.
To address this resistance, we engaged these orphanage stakeholders in dialogues to share the long-term benefits of family-based care – not only for children’s development but also for the broader community.
For centres for children with disabilities, the challenge we faced was compounded by societal stigma and a lack of accessible community-based resources to support alternative care.
So we built partnerships with organisations specialising in disability rights and inclusive care, demonstrating that community-based models could provide even better outcomes for these children. At the same time, we advocated for policies that ensured a smooth transition for those impacted by the deinstitutionalisation process, including training and support for staff to adapt to new roles within the system.
While the process wasn’t without its hurdles, we gradually saw shifts in attitudes. Some orphanages transitioned into community hubs providing family-strengthening services, and a growing number of stakeholders became advocates for family care.
That experience really underscored the importance of persistence, empathy, and inclusive planning in overcoming deeply rooted resistance to change.
What are your favourite things about your role?
As I prepare to leave this incredible organisation, I’ve been reflecting on the aspects of my role that I’ve truly cherished. One of the most rewarding parts has been building the potential of my team and seeing them grow into true superpowers in their fields combined with high level of work ethics. Guiding and supporting their development, and then witnessing them excel and take ownership of transformative work, has been an honour.
I’ve also deeply valued the collaborative spirit within the organisation. Working alongside passionate and dedicated colleagues to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives has been a source of constant inspiration. Together, we’ve navigated challenges, celebrated achievements, and created solutions that have transformed communities and families.
Most importantly, I’ve loved being part of a mission-driven journey – helping children find loving family environments and contributing to a world where every child has a chance to thrive.
As I move on, I carry with me the profound satisfaction of knowing that I’ve been part of something truly life-changing, and the confidence that the team I leave behind will continue to achieve even greater things.
Who has inspired you in your work?
Throughout my time at the organisation, I’ve been inspired by many individuals and outcomes. Witnessing children achieve better lives after reintegration and seeing them thrive in supportive family environments reaffirmed the importance of Hope and Homes for Children mission.
Kinship care, and foster care always reminded me that each society has its heroes, mostly unknown and hence not celebrated.
I was deeply moved by the stories of individuals with lived experience of care. Their courage and resilience provided invaluable lessons and strengthened my resolve to continue advocating for change.
My colleagues, especially those on the frontline, were also a significant source of inspiration. Their tireless dedication, empathy, and commitment to the children and families we served made a lasting impression on me.
I also hold immense respect for the broader ecosystem of actors, from policymakers to community leaders, whose collaboration made this work possible.
Finally, I found great encouragement in the transformation of those who once resisted deinstitutionalisation, but later became its most passionate supporters. Their shift demonstrated the power of shared vision and collective effort, which made this journey truly unforgettable.
How does it feel to be leaving?
Leaving is bittersweet. On one hand, I feel an immense sense of pride and fulfillment in everything we’ve achieved together. The work we’ve done has had a meaningful impact on children’s lives, and I am truly honored to have been a part of such a transformative journey.
At the same time, it’s hard to say goodbye to a cause and an organisation that I’ve deeply invested in. The relationships I’ve built with my colleagues, partners, and the children and families we’ve worked with will always hold a special place in my heart.
While it’s difficult to leave, I also feel hopeful knowing that the work will continue to evolve, and I’m confident that the team we’ve built will keep driving positive change for children in Rwanda and beyond.
Ultimately, I’m leaving with gratitude – for the experiences, the growth, and the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside. It’s not an end but a new chapter, and I look forward to seeing how the work continues to flourish.
What message would you want people to hear?
The message I’d want the world to hear is that every child deserves to grow up in a loving, supportive family, not in an institution. The work we’ve done has shown that with the right support, children can thrive in family care, and that families, communities, and societies are stronger when we focus on nurturing children’s well-being in an environment where they feel safe, loved, and valued.
Throughout my journey, I’ve seen firsthand the profound difference that shifting from institutional care to family care can make in children’s lives. I’ve seen communities rally together, policies shift, and lives change as a result of collective action. It’s clear that when we come together for children, we can create a better future for everyone.
Importantly, with childcare reform, no one is a loser. Children, institutional owners, donors, managers, staff, and society as a whole all stand to gain. Keeping children in institutions is neither helpful to them nor addresses the root causes of family separation.
On a broader level, I would also like to emphasise the importance of collaboration, global community education and financing. Change is very possible, but it requires a willingness to listen, to learn, and to act in the best interests of the most vulnerable.
By working together across borders, cultures, and sectors, we can build a more inclusive and just world for all children and families, and rescue the millions of children currently confined in orphanages and prevent further placement of children in such places.
As I reflect on this journey, I envision a world where the question asked of orphanages is simple yet powerful: What are you doing to ensure every child finds a caring family, and no more children are brought here?
This is the future we must work towards – one where family care is the norm, not the exception, and every child has the opportunity to grow up in a loving, supportive environment.
