Historical Background
From the ashes of tragedy to a beacon of hope and transformation
The Association pour le Développement et la Transformation Sociale (ADTS) is a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), categorized as a public interests' organization. It was established on April 1st, 1998 by a group of 18 people comprised of individuals, professionals and trainers of adult learning methodology known at that time on the name of Development Education and Leadership Teams in Action (DELTA), with a passion of contributing to social cohesion, peace building through trust building among Rwandans, unity and reconciliation, social justice, effective leadership self-reliance, social transformation and sustainable development. Association pour le Development et la Transformation Sociale (ADTS) was granted Legal Personality No. 04/2012 of 17 February 2012 by the Government of Rwanda, recognizing it as a national non-governmental organization. Through a thorough assessment and evaluation of its activities and reports, and after having complied with the requirements of Law No. 058/2024 of 20 June 2024 governing the organization and functioning of national non-governmental organizations in Rwanda, it was granted a Certificate of Compliance by the Rwanda Governance Board on February 24th, 2026.
The creation of ADTS was mainly motivated by the following reasons: the context of after the Genocide against Tutsi in 1994 where there was a huge need of rebuilding trust, social cohesion, unity and reconciliation; a need for mindset and behavior change to be able to promote sustainable development, social transformation, human rights protection, peace, leadership, good governance and gender equality; and a need for critical thinking and consciousness of community members, groups, organizations and society for a better and just world.
Our Journey
The Genocide Against the Tutsi
Rwanda experienced one of the darkest chapters in human history. The genocide left the nation devastated, with shattered communities, broken families, and deep trauma.
ADTS Founded
In response to the profound post-genocide needs, ADTS was established by visionary leaders committed to social transformation, reconciliation, and community healing.
Legal Recognition
ADTS received official legal personality (No. 092/11) from the Rwandan Government, formalizing our status as a registered non-governmental organization.
Early Programs & Partnerships
Began Training for Transformation programs with support from Trocaire. Focused on peace-building, unity, reconciliation, and community mobilization in post-genocide Rwanda.
Expansion of Programs
Launched Ending Domestic Violence initiatives, established gender focal points, and began socio-economic empowerment programs including VSL groups and cooperatives.
Scaling Impact
Expanded partnerships with Norwegian People's Aid, CARE International, World Bank, and UNICEF. Reached tens of thousands with integrated programs addressing GBV, poverty, and governance.
Deepening Transformation
Continued growth and impact with teen mothers' programs, policy monitoring, research and documentation, and regional Training for Transformation across the Great Lakes region.
27+ Years of Service
ADTS has now reached over 140,000 people, empowered 86,000+ women, trained thousands of community mobilizers, and created lasting transformation in families and communities across Rwanda.
Legal Status & Compliance
Registration
Founded: 1998
Legal Personality: No. 092/11 (2003)
Registered with: Rwanda Governance Board (RGB)
Compliance
ADTS operates in full compliance with Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) requirements and law number 04/2012 of 17/02/2012 governing non-governmental organizations in Rwanda.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on over two decades of service, we remain committed to our founding vision: a society where all members are active, cohesive, and autonomous, participating in achieving a just and prosperous world. The journey continues, and we invite you to be part of this transformation.