As she grew, the values instilled in her by her foster family became the foundation of her existence. Inspired by her Christian faith and the teachings of the Bible, especially the story of Dorcas, a woman dedicated to the service of the poor, Ketsia found her calling. In 2005, she established the Dorcas Consolation Family (DCF), a name reflecting her mission to bring hope to those in need.
Ketsia realised that her purpose was not just to exist but to serve. She dedicated her life to fulfilling a divine assignment, bringing a message of hope and compassion to the underserved. Her vision transformed the lives of countless underprivileged women and their families in rural Rwanda, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Under Ketsia’s leadership, DCF became a beacon of hope, illuminating the path out of poverty for many families trapped in cycles of despair. The foundation launched comprehensive education and healthcare programs that equipped women and girls with the skills, knowledge, and support they needed to thrive. In moments of crisis, DCF stepped in to provide the necessary assistance, helping families regain their footing and envision a brighter future.
Ketsia’s unwavering commitment to social justice did not go unnoticed. In 2017, her extraordinary efforts were recognised by the US Embassy in Kigali, where she was honoured as the Woman of Courage of the Year. As a member of diverse networks advocating for women’s and girls’ rights, Ketsia has made it her mission to end period poverty, ensuring that no girl is held back by a lack of resources during a critical time in her life.
Armed with a Master’s in Gender Studies, Ketsia embodies the essence of true leadership, not just as a founder, but as a devoted spouse, a caring mother, a supportive sister, and a treasured friend. Her passion for empowering women fuels her work, recognising that thriving families are the cornerstone of flourishing communities.
The story of the Dorcas Consolation Family is not just about Ketsia; it is a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and the enduring spirit of hope. Through her tireless efforts, she continues to inspire a movement that uplifts the vulnerable, proving that a single heart, when filled with love and purpose, can indeed change the world.
Dorcas Consolation Family (DCF) is a women-led, humanitarian, non-profit organisation rooted in Rwanda that exists to alleviate poverty in rural Rwanda by uplifting vulnerable female-led households and girls through education, financial inclusion and healthcare to spark sustainable and community-wide transformation.
Our impact is community-led and multifaceted. We uplift vulnerable female–led households and girls in rural communities out of poverty through:
The name “Dorcas” reflects the biblical woman known for her kindness and compassion. Inspired by her legacy of charity, DCF is fueled by love, empathy, and unwavering integrity, committed to building a future brimming with hope and purpose.
Building Pathways to Economic Independence
Female-led households face the harshest economic barriers. We equip women to earn, save, and grow through:
Restoring Health, Preserving Dignity
Good health is the foundation for a better life. We bring care closer through:
Opening Doors to a Brighter Future
For many girls in rural Rwanda, poverty, distance, and stigma keep classrooms out of reach. We remove these barriers by:
Ketsia Kabanyana was born and raised in exile in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Orphaned at the age of eight, she was taken in by a compassionate family friend who helped shape her character and instilled in her the values of empathy, resilience, and service.
After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Ketsia and her foster family returned to Rwanda. The family opened their home to many orphans, an experience that deepened Ketsia’s love for people and inspired her lifelong commitment to building hope, dignity, and opportunity for others.
As she grew, the values instilled in her by her foster family became the foundation of her existence. Inspired by her Christian faith and the teachings of the Bible, especially the story of Dorcas, a woman dedicated to the service of the poor, Ketsia found her calling. In 2005, she established the Dorcas Consolation Family (DCF), a name reflecting her mission to bring hope to those in need.
Ketsia realised that her purpose was not just to exist but to serve. She dedicated her life to fulfilling a divine assignment, bringing a message of hope and compassion to the underserved. Her vision transformed the lives of countless underprivileged women and their families in rural Rwanda, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Under Ketsia’s leadership, DCF became a beacon of hope, illuminating the path out of poverty for many families trapped in cycles of despair. The foundation launched comprehensive education and healthcare programs that equipped women and girls with the skills, knowledge, and support they needed to thrive. In moments of crisis, DCF stepped in to provide the necessary assistance, helping families regain their footing and envision a brighter future.
Ketsia’s unwavering commitment to social justice did not go unnoticed. In 2017, her extraordinary efforts were recognised by the US Embassy in Kigali, where she was honoured as the Woman of Courage of the Year. As a member of diverse networks advocating for women’s and girls’ rights, Ketsia has made it her mission to end period poverty, ensuring that no girl is held back by a lack of resources during a critical time in her life.
Armed with a Master’s in Gender Studies, Ketsia embodies the essence of true leadership, not just as a founder, but as a devoted spouse, a caring mother, a supportive sister, and a treasured friend. Her passion for empowering women fuels her work, recognising that thriving families are the cornerstone of flourishing communities.
The story of the Dorcas Consolation Family is not just about Ketsia; it is a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and the enduring spirit of hope. Through her tireless efforts, she continues to inspire a movement that uplifts the vulnerable, proving that a single heart, when filled with love and purpose, can indeed change the world.
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