Grassroots Partnership Rhineland-Palatinate – Rwanda
For over 40 years, the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and the Republic of Rwanda have been connected through a unique grassroots partnership. What began as an innovative approach to rethinking development cooperation has evolved into an internationally recognized model for people-centered, decentralized, and solidarity-based collaboration.
This partnership thrives on broad-based engagement, with key areas of focus including education, health, inclusion, sports, sustainable development, and intercultural exchange. Its aim is to foster encounters between people in both countries and support joint projects – always guided by the principle of helping people to help themselves. Together with numerous dedicated partners from civil society, municipalities, schools, universities, and churches, the partnership is actively lived and continuously developed.
The partnership between Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda is based on three main institutions: the Coordination Office in Kigali, the Rhineland-Palatinate/Rwanda Partnership Association, and the Rwanda Department of the State Chancellery of Rhineland-Palatinate – both based in Mainz. The Coordination Office oversees projects on the ground, supports partnerships, and promotes exchange between Rwanda and Rhineland-Palatinate. It serves as the primary point of contact for Rwandan partners and ensures equitable cooperation.
The Partnership Association connects civil society actors in Rhineland-Palatinate, provides guidance on project development, and supports funding applications. School partnerships and the municipal administrative exchange, on the other hand, are coordinated by the Rwanda Department, which also ensures the political anchoring and strategic development of the partnership. This “triangular relationship” enables close and well-structured cooperation at all levels.
