Inauguration of the Rwamagana Social Reintegration Center

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Rwamagana, Rwanda — September 3, 2025

In a spirit of gratitude and unity, representatives from the Rwandan government, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Stirling Foundation gathered in Rwamagana to celebrate the inauguration of the Rwamagana Social Reintegration Center, an institution that embodies hope, redemption, and transformation.

In his opening remarks, the Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Service emphasized that this center will serve as a transitional space between incarceration and freedom, enabling beneficiaries to reconnect with their families, cooperatives, and the labor market. He presented the formalized programs to be implemented here, including family dynamics, entrepreneurship, civic education, and the strengthening of family bonds. These initiatives aim to address challenges related to depression and psychological disorders identified within the judiciary system. He also outlined the three phases of the project, the first of which was inaugurated today, and expressed deep gratitude to the Stirling Foundation and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their essential support.

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Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, a General Authority Seventy and President of the Central Africa Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared a deep conviction:

“This project reflects our commitment to human dignity and our ability to see others not as they were or as they are, but as they can become.”

He recalled that the Church began its humanitarian work in Rwanda in 1994, with donations of food, medical supplies, clothing, and hygiene products. Since then, 140 projects have been completed, reaching over 1.4 million beneficiaries. These efforts testify to the Church’s ongoing commitment to the most vulnerable.

He also shared the Savior’s teaching:

“The Lord Jesus Christ taught, ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another’ (John 13:35). This true love compels us to reach out to those who have fallen and walk with them on the path of renewal.”

And he bore testimony:

“No matter the past, everyone deserves a new chance. This center is a place of transformation, a bridge to a new life, founded on faith, compassion, and selfless service. It will help women reclaim their place in society, develop skills, and most importantly, believe again in their future.”

Nicole Stirling, Vice President of the Stirling Foundation, shared a deeply human and spiritual perspective. She spoke of the recent birth of her granddaughter, a symbol of purity and divine potential:

“As I held my granddaughter in my arms, I felt she had just come from being with God. She arrived on this earth full of promise. And I thought of you, the women here today. You too, were welcomed with hope. That hope is still alive. Your worth is eternal. You are daughters of God, endowed with strength and compassion. Your story is not over. You carry within you the power to heal, to teach, to nurture, and to uplift.”

She also paid tribute to the vision of the Rwandan government, particularly that of former Minister Johnston Busingye, now ambassador, who expressed the desire to see incarcerated individuals focus not on their mistakes, but on what they can become.

In his closing remarks, Honorable Dr. Vincent Biruta, Interior Minister of Rwanda, expressed the government’s appreciation:

“Thank you for your contribution to Rwanda’s rehabilitation and correctional reintegration program. Your commitment proves that you are, and will remain, reliable partners.”

He also affirmed the government’s willingness to continue this collaboration:

“We are ready, as a government, to continue building such centers and to collaborate more broadly in rehabilitation and reintegration preparation programs.”

This day in Rwamagana will be remembered as a living testimony of what united hearts can accomplish when guided by faith, love for one another, and a sincere desire to serve. The Social Reintegration Center is not merely a physical space, but a tangible expression of the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ, who reaches out to each of His children—regardless of their past—and offers them a future filled with hope.