Strategic Direction
Building on our legacy of remembrance and resilience, shaping the future through strategic action and sustainable impact
Strategic Plan Overview
IBUKA is an organization representing survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Founded in 1995 in the immediate aftermath of the 1994 Genocide, IBUKA has dedicated itself to preserving the memory of the genocide, advocating for justice and the rights of survivors, and promoting healing, resilience, and social cohesion within affected communities.
Over the years, IBUKA has played a pivotal role in documenting survivor testimonies, supporting access to justice, combating genocide ideology, and fostering reconciliation and psychosocial support programs across the country. Its efforts have contributed significantly to preserving historical memory, strengthening survivor networks, and promoting societal resilience in Rwanda.
Similarly, AERG and GAERG have played crucial roles in survivor advocacy, focusing on Students, Youth and community-based initiatives. Recognizing the strength in unity, the three organizations merged in 2025, creating a comprehensive platform for survivor advocacy and support.
IBUKA's Directorates provide a strong bridge between short- and medium-term policy implementation (NST2) and Rwanda's long-term national aspirations (Vision 2050). This alignment ensures that survivor-focused interventions not only respond to immediate needs but also contribute to the country's journey toward resilience, prosperity, and inclusive development.
IBUKA Theory of Change
Our strategic approach to achieving lasting impact through four interconnected pillars
PILLAR I: Memory & Resilience, Justice & Peace Building
Through preserving memory, ensuring justice, and building peace, we create a foundation for healing and social cohesion that prevents future atrocities.
- • Documentation and preservation of testimonies
- • Legal support and justice monitoring
- • Peacebuilding and reconciliation programs
- • Prevention of genocide ideology
PILLAR II: Health, Livelihoods, and Gender Promotion
By addressing health needs, promoting economic empowerment, and advancing gender equality, we enable survivors to lead dignified, independent, and productive lives.
- • Mental health and psychosocial support
- • Economic empowerment and livelihoods
- • Gender equality and women's empowerment
- • Health care and NCD prevention
PILLAR III: Research, Capacity Building, and Investment
Through research, capacity building, and strategic investment, we strengthen institutional sustainability and enhance program effectiveness.
- • Evidence-based research and policy advocacy
- • Resource mobilization and investment
- • Capacity building and training
- • Institutional strengthening
PILLAR IV: Youth, Education, Culture, and Sport
By engaging youth through education, culture, and sports, we ensure intergenerational remembrance and build future leaders committed to peace and unity.
- • Education and skills development
- • Cultural heritage preservation
- • Sports for social cohesion
- • Youth leadership development
Overall Impact Statement
Through the integrated implementation of these four pillars, IBUKA contributes to a resilient, just, and peaceful society where the memory of the genocide is preserved, survivors are supported and empowered, and future generations are educated to prevent genocide and build a united future.
Five Year Strategic Priorities (2025–2030)
1. Preserve Memory and Prevent Genocide
Strengthen documentation, testimonies, and memorial sites while combating genocide ideology and denial through education and awareness.
2. Promote Justice and Human Rights
Enhance access to justice, monitor genocide trials, and advocate for survivors' legal rights and protection.
3. Enhance Healing, Mental Health & Resilience
Expand psychosocial support, mental health services, and resilience-building programs for survivors and their families.
4. Advance Livelihoods and Social Development
Support economic empowerment through vocational training, cooperatives, microfinance, and sustainable livelihood programs.
5. Strengthen Institutional Capacity & Partnerships
Build organizational sustainability, enhance partnerships, and strengthen capacity for effective program delivery and impact.
6. Empower Youth and Preserve Culture
Engage youth through education, cultural preservation, and sports to ensure intergenerational remembrance and leadership.
Institutional Operational Priorities
Organizational Structure & Governance
Strengthen governance structures and ensure transparent decision-making.
Resource Mobilization & Financial Sustainability
Diversify funding sources and develop sustainable revenue streams.
Human Resources & Capacity Development
Invest in staff development and build an effective workforce.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
Strengthen MEL systems to track progress and measure impact.
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
Build strategic partnerships across sectors and communities.
Technology & Digital Innovation
Leverage technology to enhance program delivery and efficiency.
Implementation Framework
Guiding Principles
- • Survivor-centered approach in all interventions
- • Evidence-based decision making
- • Gender and inclusion sensitivity
- • Partnership and collaboration
- • Sustainability and long-term impact
Institutional Roles and Responsibilities
- • Board of Directors: Strategic oversight and governance
- • Secretariat: Day-to-day operations and coordination
- • Directorates: Program implementation and delivery
- • Local Structures: Community-level engagement and support
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
A comprehensive system to track progress, measure impact, and ensure continuous improvement
Purpose
- • Track progress toward strategic objectives
- • Measure effectiveness and impact
- • Generate evidence for advocacy
- • Promote adaptive learning
- • Enhance accountability
Key Principles
- • Participatory: Engaging survivors and communities
- • Evidence-Based: Data-driven decisions
- • Inclusive: Gender and inclusion sensitive
- • Transparent: Open reporting and feedback
- • Adaptive: Flexible and responsive
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
Building collaborative networks at national, regional, and international levels
Guiding Principles
- • Survivor-Centered: Prioritizing dignity, needs, and rights of survivors
- • Complementarity: Leveraging unique expertise and resources
- • Mutual Accountability: Transparency, trust, and shared responsibility
- • Sustainability: Long-term impact and capacity strengthening
Key Stakeholders
- • Government Institutions (MINUBUMWE, MIGEPROF, Ministries)
- • Survivor Communities & Associations
- • International Partners & Donors (UN, NGOs, Embassies)
- • Academic & Research Institutions
- • Civil Society & Faith-Based Organizations
- • Private Sector Partners
Budget Summary (2025–2030)
Strategic allocation of resources across our four Directorates
| Program/Directorate | Estimated Budget (RWF) | % of Total Budget | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memory, Justice, Resilience & Peace Building | 3,750,000,000 | 35% | Testimonies, justice monitoring, peacebuilding, psychosocial support |
| Health, Livelihoods & Gender Promotion | 2,700,000,000 | 25% | Mental health, SRHR, NCD prevention, livelihoods support |
| Youth, Education & Cultural Preservation | 1,800,000,000 | 17% | Youth empowerment, education programs, cultural heritage initiatives |
| Organizational Capacity, Operations & Investment | 2,250,000,000 | 23% | Staff training, systems strengthening, administration, M&E |
| Total Estimated Budget | 10,500,000,000 | 100% | — |
Risk Management
Proactive identification and mitigation of risks to ensure successful strategy implementation
Financial Risks
Funding gaps, donor dependency, economic instability
Operational Risks
Capacity constraints, staff turnover, system failures
External Risks
Political changes, policy shifts, security concerns
Programmatic Risks
Low participation, implementation delays, quality issues
Reputational Risks
Public perception, stakeholder trust, media coverage
Strategic Risks
Mission drift, partnership challenges, competition
Conclusion
This five-year strategic plan positions IBUKA to effectively preserve memory, promote justice, strengthen resilience, and improve the well-being of communities. By aligning programs, resources, and partnerships, IBUKA will enhance organizational capacity, deliver measurable impact, and ensure sustainable support for survivors. Through continuous learning and adaptation, the organization remains committed to building a more informed, cohesive, and resilient society.