APESEK GIRIMPUHWE is a Non-Government Organization founded in 2002 and approved by the Rwanda Government Board in 2014 (Official Gazette No. 26 bis of June 30, 2014, p. 62–81).
It is located in Kivumu Sector, Rustiro District, Western Province, Rwanda.
APESEK GIRIMPUHWE was created in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis, a period that was critical for many Rwandan families in general and child-headed households in particular.
In addition to the high number of orphans, widows, and people with disabilities in one way or another as a result of the genocide and the massive return to the country of former refugees, social services like health and education were limited.
The spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic led to an increase in the number of orphaned children, most of whom could not access basic education or health care.
The vision of APESEK GIRIMPUHWE is to see a better life in a better world for all Rwandan children.
Its mission is to promote psychosocial well-being for orphans and other vulnerable children so they can enjoy life like any other child. The core values of APESEK include a caring attitude, empathy and compassion, inclusiveness and diversity, confidentiality, responsiveness, and respect.
APESEK GIRIMPUHWE provides support to orphans and vulnerable children with housing, health insurance, access to primary and secondary education, vocational training, socio-economic support, and psychological support through an integrated community approach and allows them to make informed choices in reproductive health, HIV testing, treatment, and counseling. Most importantly, they organize a community of "mentor mothers, women volunteers from the neighborhood or community who look after and protect the children, ensuring they have access to basic needs.
The Rehabilitation and integration of Drug-Abusing Youth is one of the key activities planned by APESEK GIRIMPUHWE IN its strategic plan (2021-2025).