Our History

We're here when they need us most

ADRA has been serving countries all over the world for more than 60 years to reach the most vulnerable communities and go where other NGOs don’t. To date, the ADRA network has been providing support, relief and empowerment to more than 118 countries.

1956

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) was first established by the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church under the name of Seventh-day Adventist Welfare Service (SAWS)

1956
1958

SAWS organizes relief shipments to 22 countries with a total value of about $USD 485,000.

1958
1973

As Seventh-day Adventist Welfare Service (SAWS) work expanded, its name was changed to Seventh-day Adventist World Service. The organisation began to broaden its mission from disaster relief into programs leading to long-term development. 

1973
1978

ADRA Rwanda was first established in 1978 under the bylaws of the Government of Rwanda, at the invitation of SDA church in Rwanda, in order to assist the most needy and under-privileged.

1978
1983

SAWS underwent yet another name change to better reflect its overall mission and activities,
becoming the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).


ADRA’s work grew rapidly with major programmes in several countries emphasising community development, food distribution, institutional development, and ongoing disaster relief. ADRA’s activities included: building health clinics in Africa, assisting hurricane victims in Central America, teaching hygiene and health to children in Asia, and promoting awareness of worldwide humanitarian needs through ADRA’s Global Village in the United States.
1983
1994

During the genocide, ADRA is the only non-governmental organisation to stay in the country. ADRA provided food for 400,000 and medical staff treat over 1,000 patients a day.

1994
1997

ADRA was granted General Consultative Status by the United Nations, the highest status given to nongovernmental organizations. This allowed us the opportunity to participate in the international community on a broader scale.

1997
1998

ADRA Rwanda builds the Bethel Secondary School with funds provided by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

1998
2002

ADRA Rwanda completes the final phase of the Bethel Secondary School project serving more than 240 students in the Gitarama Province, located in the southern part of Rwanda

2002
2010

In partnership with UNHCR, ADRA Rwanda supports education for refugees in all camps in close collaboration with the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Disaster and Refugees Affairs (MIDMAR) and the Inclusive Refugees Education Management Program (IREMP).

2010
2014

ADRA Rwanda inaugurates new office headquarters in Kigali in September.

2014
2016

ADRA Rwanda partners with Impact Hope USA to provide quality education to both national and refugee students.

2016
2020

ADRA Rwanda continues to implement a large variety of relief and development programs countrywide. Through its activities and people-centered approach, ADRA seeks to empower lies to self-development

2020