Capturing water for life.
Nyange Parish Church, located in Rwanda’s Mugesera Sector, serves as the spiritual home for more than 4,000 members. For many people in the surrounding community, the church offers more than worship, it is a gathering place, a source of support and a trusted community anchor.
For years, however, the parish faced a serious challenge. The church lacked the resources to install a rainwater harvesting system that could safely collect water from its roof. Without this infrastructure, rainwater damaged the church building and drained away unused, while nearby families walked long distances to fetch water for daily needs.
Because of a partnership between World Relief and 20 Liters, this challenge was addressed. Together, they provided Nyange Parish Church with a 10,000‑liter rainwater harvesting system. This single investment addressed multiple needs at once including protecting the church building, meeting national infrastructure standards and expanding access to clean water for the wider community.
“We did not have the means to install a rainwater harvesting system,” explains Fr. Mudenge Vedaste, the parish priest. “Today, this tank is not only protecting our church structure but also serving our community with water. People no longer need to walk long distances just to find water.”
A Rain Water Harvest System is now a requirement for Rwandan churches.
The impact has been immediate and far-reaching. During a time when many churches in Rwanda closed due to unmet infrastructure requirements, Nyange Parish Church remained open and operational. The new system allowed the parish to meet required standards while continuing to serve both congregants and neighbors.
Today, harvested rainwater supports daily church operations, including cleaning the building and providing handwashing stations for worshippers. More importantly, the church makes this water freely available to people living nearby. Families now collect water close to home, saving time and energy while improving hygiene and overall well-being.
Clean water strengthens communities.
This initiative has transformed Nyange Parish Church into more than a place of worship. It stands as a source of stability, dignity and practical support. It demonstrates how access to clean water can strengthen both institutions and entire communities. Through the partnership between 20 Liters and World Relief, the church continues to nurture both spiritual and physical life, one drop at a time.
