JICA Rwanda Visit: Advancing Grassroots Rugby for Social Impact

1000 Hills Rugby (1HR), a local NGO based in Rwanda and proud SESLA Programme grantee, supported by AFD, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through Olympism365, and Laureus Sport for Good, continues its mission of using sport as a transformative force for social change. In alignment with the Olympism365 global agenda, which positions sport as a key contributor to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 1HR was honored to host representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Rwanda Office this week.
The visit was led by Mr. Ueda Ryuichi, Volunteer Coordinator, and Mrs. Urujeni Kelly, Volunteer Program Officer. Both were warmly received at the 1HR office in Kagarama by founders Shema Serge (President) and Nsengimana Jean D’amour (Vice President), who introduced the guests to the organization’s strategic programs and impact journey.

Through structured rugby development and life skills training, 1HR is dedicated to empowering youth across Rwanda especially young boys and girls from underserved communities by offering access to education, personal development, and job readiness. The program pillars include:
• Long-term player development pathways
• Gender equality and child safeguarding workshops
• Entrepreneurship and employment readiness
• Health, strength & conditioning
• Leadership and values education through rugby
These initiatives align directly with Olympism365’s priority areas such as education, health, inclusion, and resilient communities. 1HR’s vision is to shape not only skilled athletes but also responsible leaders, equipped to thrive beyond the playing field.

The meeting opened a powerful dialogue around technical collaboration through JICA’s Volunteer Program, which supports grassroots organizations by assigning skilled Japanese professionals to transfer knowledge and build long-term local capacity. Both parties explored the possibility of deploying a technical rugby coach—to support the development of both men's and women's teams—as part of a wider plan to strengthen 1HR’s coaching systems and elite player development.
“This collaboration is a gateway to align grassroots rugby development in Rwanda with global best practices. We’re inspired by Japan’s leadership in rugby and community growth, and we’re excited to learn through this exchange.”
— Shema Serge, President, 1HR

While 1HR is in the final phase of securing its full NGO registration with the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), the Ministry of Sports delegate recently conducted an official field and office visit to verify and support the organization's work. In light of this, JICA recommended that the technical coach request be formally submitted through the Rwanda Rugby Federation, enabling the collaboration to proceed within recognized structures.
Mrs. Kelly from JICA Rwanda will guide the administrative process while 1HR works closely with the Federation to complete the coach request.

This visit comes at a critical moment as 1HR grows its role in the global sport-for-development movement. By aligning with the Olympism365 agenda and partnering with international stakeholders like JICA, 1HR reaffirms its commitment to using rugby to build inclusive, healthy, and empowered communities paving the way for a better world through sport.