Tools For Hope Inc

03/07/2026

March 2026 Tools for Hope Newsletter Summary

· Twisungane Group: Members achieved strong harvests of sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and carrots, using income to pay school fees and repay loans. They planted beans with an expected harvest of 110 kg and are on track to complete loan repayment by October.
· Tuzamurane Group: Banana farmers Nyirigira and Innocent improved productivity by growing market-preferred varieties. Monthly sales increased (4–6 and 3–5 bunches), quality improved through better plant management and fertilizer use, and income supported household needs, school fees, and loan repayment. Nyirigira also invested in solar power. Wind damage risks were mitigated through tree windbreaks and improved plant support.
· Dufatanye Group: The group maintained its stability through leadership restructuring and capacity building training in project planning, financial management, record keeping, and monitoring. Members received 118,000 RWF each to support diversified income-generating activities (pig, vegetable, goat, cassava/maize farming) and committed to full loan repayment within one year.

Report by Diane Uwamahirwe

TWISUNGANE GROUP FEBRUARY 2026

I visited the Twisungane Group, and they are doing well.
In the past season, they harvested sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and carrots in good quantities. The harvests helped them pay their children’s school fees and make partial repayments on their loan.
This month, they planted beans in the same field that is for sale. They expect to harvest 110kg, share part of the produce among themselves, sell the rest, and continue repaying their loan until October of this year. They are committed to finishing their loan.


TUZAMURANE February 2026 Group

This month, I visited members of the Tuzamurane Group named Nyirigira and Innocent to check on the progress of their banana farming, check plantation conditions, growth, and yield, to assess how the banana farming contributes to their household income and development, identify challenges they faced and possible solutions, and encourage adoption of best practices.
Nyirigira and Innocent have chosen to plant three varieties of bananas, based on what they observed sells well and generates income. These varieties are Syndica, Nkazikamwa (favored for their high yield and taste), and Poyo for fruit.
Current Productions
Nyirigira's monthly sales: 4–6 banana bunches. Minimum weight per bunch: 13 kg for 13000Rwf or $8.00
Innocent's monthly sales : 3-5 banana bunches. Both are different due to their space.
Buyers inspect and purchase directly from the farm, enabling fair pricing and market feedback.


Impacts of TFH Funding
The support has improved productivity, income, and overall household well-being.
After receiving financial support from TFH, Nyirigira and Innocent were able to upgrade their banana plantation through improving their banana plants and buying fertilizers, leading to:
Increased production from 2–3 bunches per month to 4–6 bunches per month
Better quality bananas due to proper plant management.
Income from banana farming has supported them:
Payment of school fees and other household materials
Loan repayment and Improvement of living conditions.
Energy Access
Because he lives in a place without electricity, Nyirigira could not access power, so he bought a solar panel for his home.

Challenges and Solutions
Environmental Challenges It takes about 3–5 months to mature, Easy to store after harvest, Strong and stable market demand, Require well-prepared soil and proper spacing.
Strong winds posed a risk to growing banana plants.
Solution: Nyirigira planted trees in his land as windbreaks, which protect bananas from wind damage

I advised Innocent to plant trees that can support banana plants so they do not fall over in strong winds, just as Nyirigira did, rather than buying expensive support trees.
Plant Management
To improve fruit quality, they cut and tied banana plants, which helps:
Support heavy banana bunches, prevent breakage, and ensure healthier growth.
Strategic measures such as windbreaks, plant management, and solar energy adoption demonstrate resilience and innovation.

DUFATANYE GROUP FEBRUARY REPORT 2026

The Dufatanye group is doing well as well.
During this month, the Dufatanye Group carried out several important activities aimed at strengthening its leadership and improving members’ economic projects.
Leadership Restructuring
The group experienced changes in its leadership structure. One committee member relocated to another area and was therefore replaced to ensure continuity of responsibilities. In addition, another leader became unavailable due to health reasons and was also replaced.
These changes were handled in an organized manner to maintain stability and ensure that group operations continued smoothly.
The committee is now composed of six members with clearly defined roles:
President: Paul
Vice President: Fabien
Secretary Laurent
Accountant: Egidia
Auditor: Azarias
Advisor: Jean de Dieu
This structure ensures accountability, transparency, and effective coordination of group activities.
Capacity Building and Training
Before launching new projects, the group participated in a training session. The purpose of the training was to equip members with practical knowledge and skills on:
 Project planning
 Basic financial business management
 Record keeping
 Monitoring and evaluation at their level
This training strengthened members’ understanding of how to manage income-generating activities sustainably and profitably.

Selection of Income-Generating Projects
After completing the training, members were allowed to select projects based on their interests and local market opportunities.
Some members chose to continue pig farming, but with improvements in management, feeding practices, hygiene, and planning, applying the knowledge gained from the training.
Other members opted to engage in vegetable farming as a business, focusing on crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and onions. These crops were selected for their market demand and potential to generate income.
This diversity of projects helps reduce risk and increases the group’s overall economic resilience.
Distribution of Funds
To support the implementation of these projects, members received money. Each member was allocated 118,000 RWF to begin or improve their chosen activity.
This financial support is expected to:
Boost productivity
Increase in household income
Improve members’ economic independence
Membership and Repayment Plan
The group currently has 17 members, with 3 no longer part of it. As I mentioned last month, three members left the group for different reasons. Two of them, including Lucie and Dative, relocated to another area far from others, and the other member, Cecilia, became old and ill and was no longer able to work with others actively
Regarding financial accountability, members are committed to completing the repayment within one year. This demonstrates their sense of working hard
Out of the 17 members: 4 chose vegetable farming, 10 will continue pig farming, 2 will continue goat farming, 1 chose cassava and maize farming.
Let me share one of the business plans we prepared for a member who chose to farm vegetables.
Business Idea
The project involves growing tomatoes, peppers, and onions for sale in the local market. These vegetables are widely consumed and have strong year-round demand. I shared one of the business plans from a member.
Small Information About these Crops
Tomatoes: Grow well in warm climates, are ready for harvest in about 3 months, can be harvested several times, high demand in households and restaurants, sensitive to pests and diseases, so proper care is needed.
Peppers: She decided to grow green peppers
Takes about 3–4 months to mature, can produce for a long period, good market value, requires regular watering and pest control.
Onions: can be grown from seeds or small bulbs.
Goals: To generate income from vegetable sales, to improve household income, to build a sustainable farming experience.
Production Plan
She will use the available family land with different measures.
Crop Land Size Estimated Harvest
Tomatoes 20 × 25 m 1-1.5 tons
Green Peppers 20 × 15 m 900kg– 1 ton
Inputs Needed
Quality tomato seeds, fertilizer (organic manure or chemical fertilizer), pesticides, watering equipment, harvesting equipment, tomatoes can be harvested after 3 months.
Budget Plan (118,000 RWF)
Item Estimated Cost (RWF)
Tomato seeds 45,000 (31$)
Pepper seeds 38,000 (26$)
Fertilizer & manure 10,000 (6$)
Pesticides 12,000 (8$)
Miscellaneous (watering, transport) 13,000 (9$)
Total 118,000 RWF ($80)
Expected Income (Example Estimate)
Tomatoes: 1500 kg × 600 RWF = 900,000RWF ($616)
Green Pepper: 1000 kg × 400 RWF = 400,00 RWF ($274)
Total Possible Revenue from Tomatoes and green pepper
1,300,000 RWF ($890)
After subtracting costs (118,000 RWF), the estimated profit could be around:
1,182,000 RWF (depending on market prices and yield). Also, buyers come to pick them up directly from the farm, so no transport is required during harvest.
Risk Management
Possible risks: Drought, Pests and diseases
Solutions: Regular watering, Proper pesticide use
Regarding the issue of obtaining water for irrigation, since the source is far, TFH has promised to provide a loan for rainwater collection tanks from their houses, and they are waiting for it, for the 9 members who need them.
Repayment Plan
The farmer will save part of each harvest’s profit. Full repayment of 118,000 RWF will be completed within one year.
Simple Business Plan Pig Farming Improvement
Business Idea
They asked for improving existing pig farming to increase productivity, health, and income. The loan will be used for better feeding, housing, and health management.
Objectives: Increase the number of healthy pigs, Improve pig growth and reproduction, Increase in income from selling pigs
Target Market: Local butchers and meat sellers, Households buying pork, Restaurants and hotels
Planned Improvements Using 118,000 RWF
Item Purpose Estimated Cost (RWF)
Quality feed Improve pig growth 43,000
Veterinary services & medicine Prevent disease 12,000
Pig housing materials (repairs, bedding) Provide a clean and safe environment 50,000
Miscellaneous (water, labor, transport) Daily care and management 13,000
Total 118,000 RWF
Production Plan
Assess the current number of pigs and separate them by age group
Feed pigs with high-quality feed regularly
Provide clean water daily
Maintain proper hygiene and clean housing
Vaccinate and deworm pigs as recommended
Monitor growth and health to ensure quick maturity
Expected Income
Example for small-scale improvement:
Current pigs for one member: 3 pigs
Average selling price per pig: 60,000 RWF
If growth and survival improve by 30–50%, an additional 4–6 pigs can be sold in a year
Extra income from improved pigs:
4 pigs × 60,000 = 240,000 RWF
6 pigs × 60,000 = 300,000 RWF
After repaying 118,000 RWF loan, profit = 122,000Rwf
Risk Management
Disease: Good hygiene, isolate sick pigs.
Feed shortage: Plan feed purchase, use local supplements
Thieves: Build strong pig pens with locks, strong doors, and fencing
Community Watch
Work with neighbors or other group members
Create a community watch system to report suspicious activity
Share information about thieves or suspicious people

The farmers appreciate your support.

Thank you for your continued support of Rwandan subsistence farmers.

02/21/2026

02/08/2026

Every week, Diane Uwamahirwe sets out before sunrise, traveling miles… Richard Trevillian needs your support for Help Diane Get a Safe Vehicle for Her Mission

02/07/2026

February 2026, Tools for Hope, Inc.

Every week, Diane Uwamahirwe sets out before sunrise, traveling miles over rough, winding roads to visit hardworking farmers in the hills of Rwanda. She carries with her notebooks, seeds, and the kind of wisdom and encouragement that can change a family’s future.

But there’s a hard side to this work that most people never see. To reach these remote communities, Diane must rely on motorbike taxis—rain or shine —over slippery dirt roads, balancing tools and training materials while holding on tightly. It’s tiring, time-consuming, and often unsafe. Yet she does it anyway, because she believes every farmer deserves a chance to grow food more efficiently and build a better life.

The roads she travels when visiting farmers are very challenging. Traveling by motorcycle carries significant risks, including back injuries and accidents due to poor road conditions. Having a vehicle would significantly improve safety and reliability.

In addition, a vehicle would help reduce overall transportation costs. For example, when she plans visits between group leaders, or when children from the Dufatanye group visit children from other groups, there would be no need to pay transport fees; Tools for Hope would cover only fuel costs, as Diane would transport them herself.

Now, Diane has a humble but transformative request: a reliable, used SUV. With a vehicle of her own, she could safely carry supplies, reach far more farming groups, and respond quickly when communities need her most.

We want to make this possible—but we need your help. The cost of a dependable used SUV in Rwanda is about $11,000.00, and every contribution will move us closer to putting reliable wheels under her mission of hope.

You can donate securely at https://www.toolsforhope.org/Donations, donate via PayPal, or mail your support to: Tools for Hope, Inc. 1540 Robinson Road, Knoxville, TN 37923

Thank you for believing in this work and in people like Diane, who bring light and hope to others every day. With your help, she can continue the journey—this time on safer, stronger wheels.

Every mile she travels means more farmers are trained, more crops are grown, and more families are fed. Your gift today helps keep hope moving forward—literally.

With sincere gratitude,
Richard Trevillian
President, Tools for Hope, Inc.
[email protected]

http://www.toolsforhope.org/

02/02/2026

Twisungane, Dufatanye, and Tuzamurane Groups – February 2026 Summary
Twisungane Group. The group started the year with a strong commitment to its annual plans. Members aim to repay 1,000,000 RWF through income from agriculture, allocating 300,000 RWF after each harvest. If a land client becomes available, they may begin trading crops or purchase a boat. They continue to strengthen household farming and small-income activities. The group emphasized family nutrition through home gardens, maintained weekly savings of 500 RWF, and planned children’s fellowship activities.
Dufatanye Group. The year began with three members leaving, reducing the group to 17. They set annual goals to expand income-generating activities, including pig farming, goat rearing, vegetable cultivation, and banana production for local beer. Members will also receive training in business planning, sustainable agriculture, and record-keeping. Socially, the group will encourage children’s fellowship and inter-group visits to promote unity and learning.
Tuzamurane Group. The group demonstrated strong organization by opening a bank account and setting clear priorities for the year. Their primary goal is to fully repay the TFH loan by December through increased agricultural productivity, particularly in banana farming. Members will focus on improving family well-being through kitchen gardens, small livestock rearing, and timely health insurance payments. Plans also include training in small businesses, leadership study visits to other groups, and children’s fellowship during school holidays.
The farmers appreciate your support.
http://www.toolsforhope.org/ or https://toolsforhope.org/page-18106
Thank you for your continued support of Rwandan subsistence farmers.

01/01/2026

Tools for Hope
Report by Diane Uwamahirwe
SUMMARY OF 2025 ANNUAL REPORTS FOR FARMER GROUPS (Dufatanye, Twisungane, and Tuzamurane
I thank God every day for your faithful support of the farmer groups!
This year has been a good one, and we are very thankful to God and to TFH for continuing to support farmers in their journey out of poverty and toward growth in different areas. Farmers were pleased to see Richard again and to welcome Bill, as they visited the groups and spent meaningful time together.
Through various project activities this year, farmers achieved various levels of progress across agriculture, livestock, savings, and spiritual growth. In addition, one new farmer group was formed this year, expanding the program's reach.
This annual report summarizes progress made by the Dufatanye, Twisungane, and Tuzamurane farmer groups, based on monthly reports collected throughout the year. The groups focused on improving livelihoods through livestock farming, crop agriculture, financial savings for transformation, and spiritual nurture, including children.
Overall Impact Across the Three Groups
Improved household food security.
Increased income opportunities and skills.
Stronger environmental awareness and land protection.
Improved savings culture and financial discipline.
Strengthened unity and collaboration among members.
Conclusion
Based on the monthly reports, the Dufatanye, Twisungane, and Tuzamurane groups made steady progress across livestock farming, agriculture, monetary management, and spiritual growth. Despite challenges, the commitment of members and continued mentorship provide a solid foundation for sustainable development in the coming year.
Thank you!
See her full report at https://toolsforhope.org/page-18106

11/29/2025

We’ll be open this Sunday from 2:00–3:30 PM for class at Silver Horse Martial Arts, home dojo of the Okinawan Karatedo Union (OKU).

Traditional Isshinryu Karate
Tai Chi for balance, focus, and stress relief.

Friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

If you’ve been thinking about getting started or coming back to training, this is a great time to step on the floor.

This Sunday
2:00–3:30 PM
Silver Horse Martial Arts

Comment below or send us a message if you’d like more information or plan to attend!

11/13/2025

November 2025 Newsletter Summary
Dufatanye Group
• Continues steady progress toward annual goals, focusing on livestock expansion and household economic strengthening.
• Members are motivated and actively engaged, benefiting from TFH’s support.
• Paul, a group member, used TFH support to buy three pigs (male, for breeding and pork sales). He charges for breeding services.
• One pig died unexpectedly, but two young pigs remain.
• Paul and his wife also purchased a cow, which provides manure for crops and milk for nutrition and income. Integrating cow and pig farming increases organic fertilizer for crops.
• A group meeting reviewed project progress and loan repayment. Some members faced challenges (e.g., health issues) affecting timely repayment.
• The group agreed to extend the loan repayment deadline to November and began discussing a new project for next year.
• The group remains united, motivated, and focused on improving household welfare and moving out of poverty.
Tuzamurane Group
• Regular follow-up and technical guidance are provided to improve banana production.
• Emphasis on mulching, removing diseased leaves, and pruning to boost yields and reduce disease risk.
• One member has improved banana yields and supports their family through regular harvests.
• A widow member renovated her banana plantation with TFH support, expecting better harvests to support her family.
• Group members support each other, sharing knowledge and labor, and remain motivated to improve banana production as a sustainable income source.
• The group is making steady progress, with unity and consistent effort leading to visible results.
Twisungane Farmer Group
• Shows strong teamwork and dedication to improving livelihoods, focusing on banana production.
• Members, including Claude and Claudine, invest in banana plantations and livestock (cows and chickens), using income to further their farming activities.
• Bananas are harvested and transported to local markets, supporting family income and food security.

10/03/2025

This July 2025 video shows progress made by the Dufatanye and Twisungane Groups utilizing the assistance of Tools for Hope. It introduces the Tuzamurane Gro...

10/03/2025

October 2025 Newsletter Summary
Twisungane group members are honoring their agreement by making regular harvest-based payments, having contributed 100,000 Rwf this month and planning to contribute 300,000 Rwf after each future harvest to their TFH account. They are also preparing for the current planting season by getting ready to cultivate beans in their field.
The Tuzamurane group is focused on increasing banana production to help members escape poverty. This month, follow-up visits and advisory support aimed to monitor plantation progress and ensure accountability for project resources.
Overall, households are committed to improving their practices and expect better harvests. The plan is to continue providing technical guidance and regular monitoring to help members overcome challenges and maximize yields.
The Dufatanye group made significant progress in September, with members like Callixte and Clementine investing in new income-generating activities such as tailoring and livestock farming. These practical ventures have improved household welfare and created opportunities for skill development and financial resilience. Although some members faced challenges in meeting loan repayments, the group remains accountable and committed to completing their obligations by October 2025, reflecting a strong sense of responsibility and self-reliance.

This July 2025 video shows progress made by the Dufatanye and Twisungane Groups utilizing the assistance of Tools for Hope. It introduces the Tuzamurane Gro...

09/02/2025

September 2025, Tools for Hope, Inc.
Newsletter
Summary
During August, two children's groups engaged in spiritual growth, fellowship, and recreational activities during the school holiday period, each facing unique circumstances and outcomes.
• Twisungane Group challenges: The group could not meet this month due to school attendance requirements during holidays and health complications of their secretary, which delayed their contribution deposit. The secretary is recovering in hospital.
• Tuzamurane Group activities: Sixty-five children took part in Bible study focused on salvation by grace, received personal Bibles, played games to foster teamwork, and shared a fellowship meal, resulting in joyful engagement and unity.
• Dufatanye Group program: The group combined Bible teaching on God's grace with recreational games led in partnership with Discipling the Next Generation (DNG). Teenagers engaged in discussions on life issues, and parents contributed to a shared meal, enhancing community support and spiritual growth.
Recommendations for parental involvement: Emphasis was placed on encouraging parents to support regular Bible use at home, take part in spiritual development, and attend special sessions to support engagement beyond holidays.

"Discipling the Next Generation" in Rwanda refers to various faith-based initiatives and organizations focused on nurturing, mentoring, and empowering Rwandan youth to become leaders rooted in Christian values and positive social impact.
Purpose and Vision
• Character and Faith Formation: The core goal is to foster a new generation of Rwandan leaders who are not only academically equipped but also spiritually mature, ethical, and committed to serving their communities in line with Christian teachings.
• National Reconciliation and Hope: In Rwanda's context of post-genocide healing, these discipling efforts play a key role in reconciliation, offering hope and vision for unity, personal growth, and national transformation through the next generation.
Discipling the next generation in Rwanda is a comprehensive, faith-driven commitment to nurturing youth in all aspects of life, ensuring the emergence of a new cohort of leaders to shape the country's future.
https://www.toolsforhope.org/

08/13/2025

August 2025, Tools for Hope, Inc.
Summary:
Dufatanye Farmers Group
• Pig Farming Success: Members are experiencing life-changing improvements through pig farming.
• A woman used profits from selling piglets to buy a sewing machine and plans to start a tailoring business.
• Azarias, a father of eight, improved his family's living conditions and can now afford food, school fees, and home repairs.
• Impact: The program fosters self-reliance, inspires community participation, and improves livelihoods.
• Next Steps: Organizing educational and spiritual activities for children during school holidays.
Tuzamurane Group
• Banana Plantation Revitalization: Members are enhancing existing banana farms using Tools for Hope (TFH) support.
• Investments include mulch and fertilizers to improve soil health and crop yield.
• Home visits show strong commitment and teamwork among members.
• Community Spirit: Increased unity and knowledge-sharing within the group.
• Next Steps: Plans to teach children the Word of God in August and provide Bibles and financial support for a fellowship event.
Twisungane Farmer Group
• Land Sale Negotiations: The Group is working to sell land for 3.5–4 million Rwandan Francs.
• Proposed installment payments from harvest income and savings.
• TFH approved this flexible payment plan.
Each group is making significant, tangible progress toward economic empowerment and community development, with TFH playing a pivotal role in training, resources, and spiritual support.
https://toolsforhope.org/
https://toolsforhope.org/page-18106