We, The World

The Benebikira Congregation is a native Rwandan order of Catholic nuns. In Kinyarwandan, Benebikira means "Daughters of Mary". They serve the poorest of the poor in Rwanda, a country that suffered so much during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. 

Their convent is over 100 years old and is in serious disrepair. They are in desperate need of a new home and because they originated in Rwanda, they have no mother order in Europe they can turn to for assistance. Immaculee Ilibagiza survived the genocide and is helping these saintly souls through her work in the U.S. and abroad. 100% of all money raised will go to rebuild their convent. Video updates will be posted on www.immaculee.com website and here. Thank you for considering helping these hero nuns who give everything. Read below about their heroic actions during the genocide.

They showed tremendous love & courage during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide that claimed nearly a million lives in 100 days. They defied the orders of the killers to separate by "Hutu" or "Tutsi" and sheltered many children who had fled their homes after their parents were killed. They watched in horror as the militia stormed in and slaughtered the children. They imprisoned the nuns inside the house and said they would have to wait to die and they would be back to kill them in early July. The sisters were saved when the RFP liberated the motherhouse on July 1 and the convent on the 3rd. The genocide ended on July 4th.

The Benebikira Congregation survived–but not without losses. In all, 20 of their sisters were killed. The Congregation survived to take up the work of peace, reconciliation and unity. They re-opened their schools, social services and health clinics, and they opened their hearts to care for the orphans that had swarmed to their doors.

We the World manages Immaculee's Charities and 100% will go to this cause. Tax ID #13-4129493

This holy church once stood in one of the most breathtaking places on earth, overlooking the beautiful Lake Ruhundo on the northern border of Rwanda. The church served as a beacon of light for many religious who came here to be formed in peace and silence to prepare for their work in the community Located on the amazing grounds of the Les Foyer de Charite, it is a place for silent retreats and is a treasure to many who were transformed here. An architect has generously completed plans for the new chapel, and we need your help making a difference.

Immaculee Ilibagiza, N.Y. Times Best Selling author of Left to Tell and survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, spends her life speaking of love and forgiveness amidst this horrible event that occurred in her beloved country. For the past 14 years, we have traveled back to Rwanda helping to rebuild what was lost. Faith formation is one of the most important elements to healing people, and it all begins in places such as this. 100% of your donations will go to the rebuilding of this project. Immaculee's Charities are managed by We, The World, so all funds will go directly to her. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to the people who will benefit the most.

More information about We, The World: The mission of We, The World is to maximize social change globally - until we have a world that works for all. WTW unites and amplifies the efforts of people, organizations and movements for the common good. WTW annually connects and promotes thousands of socially conscious organizations and individuals to amplify their efforts and generate public awareness and action. WTW has already impacted the lives of more than 5 million people in the areas of peace, economic justice, environment, unity and health.