Why We Exist
Born from the ashes of tragedy, driven by hope for transformation
Our Origin Story
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.
The Critical Needs We Address
Social Cohesion & Unity
Rebuilding trust, fostering reconciliation, and creating cohesive communities where all members can live together in peace and mutual respect.
Mindset & Behavior Change
Transforming harmful attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that perpetuate violence, inequality, and poverty through critical consciousness and education.
Gender Equality & Women's Rights
Addressing the root causes of gender-based violence and empowering women to claim their rights, dignity, and economic independence.
Economic Empowerment
Breaking the cycle of poverty through savings groups, cooperatives, entrepreneurship training, and income-generating activities.
Civic Participation & Governance
Strengthening democracy, human rights, leadership, and active citizenship so communities can hold institutions accountable and shape their own futures.
Family Transformation
Preventing domestic violence, promoting peaceful families, and ensuring children grow up in safe, nurturing environments.
Our Fundamental Purpose
We exist because we believe that every person—regardless of their past, their gender, their economic status—has inherent dignity and the capacity to transform their own life and community.
We exist because top-down development doesn't work. Sustainable change must come from within communities, driven by their own critical consciousness, collective action, and self-reliance.
We exist to facilitate that transformation—not to impose solutions, but to walk alongside communities as they discover their own power, wisdom, and agency to create a just and prosperous world.
Join Us in This Mission
For over 23 years, we've been transforming lives and empowering communities. But there is still much work to be done. Together, we can create a Rwanda where every person thrives.