Programs & Projects

Comprehensive initiatives preserving culture and empowering communities

Our Multi-Year Implementation Plan

Culture Connect in Rwanda outlines a comprehensive multi-year implementation plan with various activities and programs designed to systematically preserve heritage, empower communities, and unlock the full economic and social potential of African culture.

Year 1: Foundation and Pilot Programs

Project Inception and Setup

  • Establish legal entity and secure necessary permits
  • Recruit core project management team
  • Set up project office in Kigali
  • Develop detailed M&E framework

Community Engagement

  • Conduct participatory workshops in pilot districts
  • Map existing cultural groups and practitioners
  • Identify cultural assets, needs, and priorities

Pilot Cultural Preservation

  • Launch pilot programs for traditional music and dance
  • Intore dance workshops and Inanga instrument training
  • Initiate oral history collection project

Creative Economy Initiatives

  • Market research for traditional crafts (Agaseke, Imigongo)
  • Training workshops for artisans
  • Product development and basic business skills

Year 2: Expansion and Diversification

Program Expansion

Expand cultural preservation programs to new districts, focusing on different cultural forms like traditional storytelling and Imigongo art. Launch cultural education programs in schools.

Cultural Centers Development

Identify and begin renovation/construction of community cultural centers in selected districts. Develop curriculum for cultural education programs.

Digital Archiving

Digitize oral histories and traditional music/dance performances. Establish a comprehensive digital cultural archive system.

Cultural Highlights

Malawi Culture

Malawi Culture: Gule Wamkulu

Masks are commonly used in various dances and ceremonies in Malawi and these are usually tribe-specific. The best known being the Gule Wamkulu, performed by the Nyau of the Chewa people. This traditional dance represents the spirits of the dead and is an integral part of Chewa culture, combining music, dance, and storytelling to preserve ancestral wisdom.

Zimbabwe Gango

Zimbabwe Gango: Street Food Culture

Gango is a popular street food in Zimbabwe that is a flavorful combination of fried meats, typically beef, chicken, pork, gizzards, boerewors etc mixed together and fried with vegetables served with a side of sadza (a thickened maize meal) and a spicy sauce or chilli powder. The meats are usually marinated in a mixture of spices and fried over an open flame big pan, giving them a smoky and charred flavor that is beloved by many. Gango mixed meat is a hearty and satisfying meal that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike for its delicious taste and convenient street food format. It is a great way to experience the rich flavors of Zimbabwean cuisine while enjoying a casual and communal dining experience.

Years 3-5: Advanced Implementation

Year 3: Community Integration

  • Fully operationalize community cultural centers
  • Integrate cultural education into school curricula
  • Establish cultural entrepreneurship incubation program
  • Organize national cultural product exhibitions

Year 4: Digitalization & Global Outreach

  • Develop comprehensive interactive digital platform
  • Initiate international cultural exchange programs
  • Participate in major international cultural festivals
  • Fund research projects on cultural practices

Year 5: Sustainability & Replication

  • Implement revenue-generating strategies for centers
  • Establish Cultural Studies program with universities
  • Organize annual "Culture Connect Rwanda Festival"
  • Develop replication toolkit for other regions

Key Program Areas

Heritage Preservation

Document and preserve African traditions, safeguard cultural practices and historical landmarks, and establish community hubs and digital archives for intergenerational knowledge transfer.

Youth Empowerment

Nurture young talent in visual and performing arts, provide scholarships and mentorships, and support local creators with funding, tools, and global platforms.

Cultural Exchange

Organize programs including reciprocal visits, study-abroad opportunities, and workshops to connect African communities with global audiences, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.

Sustainable Cultural Production

Support artisans and cultural entrepreneurs in adopting eco-friendly practices and link them to ethical markets. Leverage cultural programs for community growth in sustainable tourism, education, and entrepreneurship.

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Your support helps us implement these vital programs that preserve culture and empower communities across Africa.

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