Turi Kumwe T1D & Family Camp – RDA’s 2025 Inclusive Initiative

The Rwanda Diabetes Association hosted the Turi Kumwe T1D & Family Camp on December 20, 2025, empowering children living with Type 1 Diabetes and their families through education, emotional support, and community connection.

On December 20, 2025, the Rwanda Diabetes Association (RDA) successfully hosted the Turi Kumwe T1D & Family Camp, a family-centered inclusive initiative designed to empower children and youth living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) alongside their caretakers. “Turi Kumwe” — meaning “We Are Together” — reflects the spirit of unity, resilience, and shared strength that defined the entire camp experience. Background In Rwanda, Type 1 Diabetes continues to place a heavy burden on children, youth, and their families. Limited access to consistent medical supplies, structured diabetes education, peer support, and mental health resources makes daily management challenging. Many families navigate diabetes care with minimal guidance beyond routine medical consultations, leaving both young patients and caregivers vulnerable to stress, burnout, and long-term health risks. Clinic data from RDA shows that among 287 young people receiving care: 114 face anxiety 60 experience symptoms of depression 43 report stress-related symptoms 54 struggle with eating disorders 14 face alcohol or substance misuse challenges These realities highlight the urgent need for holistic, family-centered support systems. The Turi Kumwe T1D & Family Camp was created to directly address these interconnected medical, emotional, and social challenges. What the Camp Offered The inclusive camp, held in Kigali, featured: Interactive educational sessions Team-building games and outdoor activities Peer-sharing circles Expert-led sessions on insulin management and blood sugar monitoring Nutrition guidance and complication prevention Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia management training Personal storytelling from families Group goal-setting for long-term well-being The initiative was supported by healthcare professionals including doctors, nutritionists, and representatives from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). Key Outcomes and Community Impact 1. Strong Participation and Inclusivity The camp brought together: 60 total participants 30 youth living with T1D (ages 10–22) 30 caretakers (mostly parents) This balanced structure strengthened family relationships, encouraged peer mentoring among youth, and reduced feelings of isolation. 2. Comprehensive Education with Expert Involvement Participants gained practical, hands-on knowledge on: Insulin administration Blood sugar monitoring Balanced nutrition Preventing diabetes-related complications Youth reported feeling more confident in managing their condition independently, while parents felt better equipped to support their children at home. 3. Caretaker Engagement and Emotional Support Dedicated sharing sessions allowed parents and caretakers to openly discuss: Emotional struggles Daily challenges Success stories Financial concerns These safe, supportive spaces reduced caregiver burnout and strengthened confidence in family diabetes management. 4. Launch of a Caretaker Support Network One of the most impactful outcomes was the initiation of a dedicated caretaker network for families of children living with T1D. This network will provide: Ongoing peer support Resource sharing Emotional assistance Guidance for newly diagnosed families Support for financially vulnerable households The network will operate through physical meetings and digital platforms to ensure continuous engagement beyond the camp. Areas for Improvement and Future Recommendations While the camp was highly successful, several opportunities were identified: Hosting the camp more frequently (quarterly or biannually) to reinforce learning Expanding mental health sessions with trained psychologists Strengthening partnerships for sustainable funding Providing additional support such as free glucose monitors and glucometer batteries Building stronger collaborations with government and private sponsors These improvements would deepen impact and position the camp as a national model for T1D family support. Conclusion The Turi Kumwe T1D & Family Camp was a resounding success. It empowered children and youth living with Type 1 Diabetes, strengthened family bonds, and built a supportive community rooted in unity and shared resilience. By combining medical education, emotional support, and peer connection, the camp created a safe and nurturing environment for growth and long-term well-being. RDA extends heartfelt gratitude to: The caretakers for their dedication and financial contributions The courageous T1D youth whose energy inspired everyone The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) for their vital support Together, we are stronger. Together, we are Turi Kumwe.