OEPSD

1. History of the Organization

OEPSD, formerly known as AEPESD-TABARA, was established on October 29, 1995, in Shyira, now part of Nyabihu District, Western Province. It was founded by 11 members aiming to rebuild Rwanda following the war, genocide, and mass exodus.

2. Statute of the Organization

OEPSD is a recognized non-profit organization under Rwandan law, receiving ministerial approval on May 4, 2004. It later updated its statutes in line with the 2012 NGO law and secured a new agreement certificate from RGB in December 2013.

3. Address & Localization

4. Affiliations

OEPSD has been a member of the Rwandan Federation of Private Sector (FRSP), UBUFATANYE (AIDS intervention collective), and IHURIRO (supporting orphans).

5. Intervention Zones

6. Objectives of the Organization

Main Objective:

To contribute to improving the living conditions of vulnerable individuals and communities.

Specific Objectives:

• Promote income-generating activities to support underprivileged groups (widows, orphans, PLWHA).
• Strengthen the capacity of target groups in planning and decision-making for development actions.

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Overview of OEPSD

Established in 1995 after the Genocide against the Tutsi, OEPSD has undertaken various projects, with a particular focus on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights encompassed in three main programmes such as:

Main Programs

• Health Program:

  This program focuses on the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of adolescents and youth including Gender Based Violence, Family Planning, HIV and STIs prevention, ante-natal care, among others.

• Education Program:

  This initiative targets vulnerable adolescents and young people, including orphans, young people living with HIV, sex workers, and historically marginalized groups.

• Livelihood Program:

  The aim of this program is to enhance the resilience and sustainability of SRHR by strengthening vulnerable families through economic empowerment.

Since its creation, OEPSD has been involved in activities focusing on these above three key programs:

• Education: Since 2003 (20 years of Experience), OEPSD implements advocacy related activities and other activities to promote vulnerable children like orphans, children with disabilities access to education services. 15 year of experience

• Health: Since 2015 (8 years of Experience), the organization has supported the delivery of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights information and services to adolescents and young people including out of School Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and it supports also maternal and new born health related services. 8 years of experience

• Advanced Livelihood: Since 2005 (18 years of Experience), through community strengthening programme, OEPSD builds economic capacities of poor families to make them able to provide basic needs for children and adolescents including ASRH services.

Successful Projects Implemented

Since 2001, OEPSD has been spearheading a health dispensary initiative aimed at establishing a safe space for vulnerable young people, including street children, women heading households, as well as young individuals and girls affected by post-genocide conditions and living with HIV. The dispensary played a crucial role in delivering promotional, preventive, and curative services for SRHR. These services include counselling on HIV and Family Planning, mental health support, addressing gender-based violence (GBV), and providing general diagnosis and referrals.

In 2013, the dispensary transitioned to become Susa Health Post through a Public and Private Partnership with Musanze District and contributions from members. It offers basic health services, including Adolescent and Sexual Reproductive Health counseling (ASRH). Future developments aim to upgrade it from a first to a second-generation health post, expanding the services offered.

From 2009 to 2014, OEPSD, with financial support from the Japanese Embassy, undertook the construction of a public health center in the Gitovu sector of Burera District, enhancing accessibility to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services for hard-to-reach adolescents and young people. The center was officially handed over to Burera District Local Authorities in August 2014, marking a milestone in community well-being.

In 2003, with the backing of UNICEF Rwanda, a comprehensive project was initiated to analyze the challenges faced by street children, focusing on issues related to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). This initiative helped develop targeted interventions and support mechanisms.

From 2002 to 2004, with funding from the Belgo-Rwandan Co-operation, a project initiated to support out-of-school adolescents by providing them with pigs aimed at improving their economic independence and preventing negative SRH outcomes. The project resulted in increased economic stability and project initiation among beneficiaries.

Between 2004 and 2005, a project focusing on family conflict prevention and resolution was implemented across 40 sectors, addressing SRHR issues and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This comprehensive approach fostered education and empowerment within communities.

Since 2018, OEPSD has been focused on Comprehensive Sexuality Education for out-of-school youth, especially those with disabilities, through voluntary, self-funded means. The project promotes empowerment, social reintegration, and economic stability.

In 2021-2022, OEPSD implemented a project titled "Promoting SRHR Services through Traditional Folk Dance and Song - INTWATWA." This project empowered historically marginalized community members on SRHR through cultural engagement, resulting in increased access to Family Planning services and improved community dialogue on health.