About Umuri Foundation

Empowering youth through sports and education since 2018

Our Purpose

Rwanda is a youthful nation, with 60% of its population under the age of 25. As the country experiences rapid population growth, investing in young people is key to securing a prosperous future.

Our Theory of Change

The Theory of Change for Umuri Foundation is rooted in the belief that vulnerable youth possess untapped potential and aspirations for a better future. By providing access to sports-based development programs that focus on holistic wellbeing, including performance improvement, education, career guidance, and health initiatives, Umuri Foundation aims to empower youth.

Our Vision 2030

By 2030, we envision a Rwanda where football is a transformative force in every child's life, every home, every school, and every community.

Every child is in school

Thriving academically and socially through our programs.

Accessible sports facilities

Every school and community has well-equipped sports facilities for all children.

Trained facilitators

Certified Sports for Development facilitators to guide and mentor youth.

Sustainable environment

That supports sports and social development, ensuring a healthy future.

Parental recognition

All parents recognize the vital role of sports in shaping children's growth.

Economically empowered youth

Financially self-reliant youth who can change the community economic narrative.

Through this vision, we aim to align with the government of Rwanda's second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) mainly focusing on Social Transformation Pillar by making sports a pillar of holistic child/youth development, creating empowered, resilient, and healthy future generations.

Our Values

Integrity

We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our actions and decisions.

Innovation

We constantly seek new and creative ways to address challenges and improve our programs.

Inclusiveness

We embrace diversity and ensure that our programs are accessible to all.

Gender Equality

We promote equal opportunities and empowerment for both girls and boys.

Our Story

2018

Foundation

Umuri Foundation founded

Program Launch

Kina Unirinde program

Expansion

6 districts reached

Sports Club

Umuri Sports Club

Girls Champion

Girls empowerment

Milestone

25,000+ supported

New Heights

KU 2.0 & UNICEF

Foundation (2018)

Jimmy founded the Umuri Foundation in 2018, driven by his belief in football's unique potential to inspire positive social change for young people in Rwanda. His personal mission has been to open doors of opportunity for others that he himself lacked growing up, recognizing that many young people's potential remains unrealized due to circumstances beyond their control.

Program Launch (2019)

Launch of Kina Unirinde program, funded by AHF, UNICEF Rwanda, and Imbuto Foundation. This marked the beginning of our structured approach to youth development through sports, reaching hundreds of children in our first year.

Expansion (2020)

Successfully expanded our programs to reach 6 districts in Rwanda, significantly increasing our impact and establishing a strong presence across the country. This expansion allowed us to touch more lives and create lasting change in more communities.

Sports Club Launch (2021)

Launch of Umuri Sports Club, with our boys' team entering Rwanda's 3rd Division. This milestone represented our commitment to providing structured sporting opportunities and creating pathways for talented youth.

Girls Champion Program (2022)

Introduction of the Girls Champion program, a dedicated initiative to empower young women through sports. This program addresses unique challenges faced by girls and provides them with opportunities for growth and development.

Major Milestone (2023)

Reached a significant milestone of supporting over 25,000 children through HIV testing and support programs. This achievement demonstrates our commitment to holistic development and health awareness in our communities.

New Heights (2024)

Developed KU 2.0 football drills in Nyagatare through partnership with Imbuto Foundation. Planning exciting collaboration with UNICEF for innovative GIRL program supporting girls and children with disabilities (CWDs), marking a new chapter in our mission to create inclusive sporting opportunities.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Together, we can empower youth and transform communities through the power of sports.

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