Train
Daily athlete development in Kigali, Karongi, and Rutsiro.
Rwanda’s next generation in motion
Every lane can lead somewhere extraordinary.
Ishyaka connects young swimmers to safe training, committed coaches, and opportunities that stretch from Rwanda’s pools to the world’s waters.
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Training communities
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National records held
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Shared mission across two entities
Why Ishyaka
Talent is everywhere. Access is not.
We build the conditions young people need to thrive in water and beyond: consistent coaching, safe environments, equipment, and a community that believes in their potential.
Protect
Child-centered safeguarding is built into every program.
Connect
Global giving and exchange strengthen locally led work.
Friends of Ishyaka, Inc. + Ishyaka Swim Club· Two organizations, one shared mission
About Ishyaka
Ishyaka is two organizations working as one. Friends of Ishyaka, Inc. — our US 501(c)(3) public charity — raises tax-exempt support, moves equipment, and builds coaching exchanges worldwide. Ishyaka Swim Club — our Rwandan national NGO — runs daily training in Kigali, Karongi, and Rutsiro, educates coaches, and cares for athletes' welfare and tuition. Led by Elise & Liban Mugabo in Kigali with a volunteer US board.
Locally led. Globally supported.
Two organizations, one mission.
People often ask how Friends of Ishyaka and Ishyaka Swim Club relate. Here is the short answer.
United States
Friends of Ishyaka, Inc.
501(c)(3) public charity: international fundraising, equipment, coaching exchanges.
Rwanda
Ishyaka Swim Club
Rwandan national NGO: daily training, coach education, athlete welfare.
Child safeguarding
Every child. Safe in sport.
Our safeguarding policy sets out appropriate coach–athlete behavior, the responsibilities of adults, and the rights of every child. If you suspect a problem, you can report it confidentially — anonymously if you prefer.
No other club in Rwanda offers a safeguarding commitment like this one.
Our team
The people behind every session.
Led day-to-day in Kigali, supported by a volunteer board in the United States.
Elise Mugabo
Co-founder & Director, Kigali
Liban Mugabo
Co-founder & Head Coach, Kigali
Ishyaka Coaches
Daily training in Kigali, Karongi & Rutsiro
US Board of Directors
Governance of Friends of Ishyaka, Inc.
Partners & supporters
Standing with us in and out of the water.
The organizations and platforms that keep training, payments, and equipment moving.
Givebutter
Secure US donation platform
I&M Bank
Rwandan bank account for fees
MTN MoMo
Mobile money payments in Rwanda
Your organization
Partner with us — get in touch
Get involved
Your gift creates water time, confidence, and possibility.
Donations from the US and abroad are received by Friends of Ishyaka, Inc. Families in Rwanda pay lesson fees and squad membership to Ishyaka Swim Club by MoMo or I&M Bank. Both paths are on the giving hub, clearly labeled.
Visit the giving hubGive with purpose
Ready to give?
Charitable donations are received by Friends of Ishyaka, Inc. (US 501(c)(3)) through our secure Givebutter page — one-time or monthly, you choose there.
Donate with Givebutter Secure process Privacy protected Tax-deductible US gift