About Ishyaka

Two organizations. One shared mission.

Ishyaka is not one entity. Friends of Ishyaka, Inc. is a US 501(c)(3) public charity. Ishyaka Swim Club is a registered Rwandan national NGO. They work together, but they are separate, and each has its own mission, leadership, and money.

Friends of Ishyaka, Inc. + Ishyaka Swim Club· Two organizations, one shared mission

Mission

Who does what, in plain language.

United States

Friends of Ishyaka, Inc.

US 501(c)(3) public charity

Mission. To raise and steward international support so that young Rwandan swimmers have the equipment, coaching, and opportunity they deserve.

What FoI does:

International, tax-exempt fundraising from US and global supporters

Equipment pipelines and shipping to Rwanda

Coaching exchanges and technical partnerships

US Board oversight, compliance, and donor reporting

What FoI does not do. It does not run training sessions, employ coaches in Rwanda, or collect lesson fees.

Rwanda

Ishyaka Swim Club

Rwandan national NGO

Mission. To grow confident athletes, capable coaches, and safer communities around water across Rwanda — led locally by Elise and Liban Mugabo in Kigali.

What ISC does:

Daily training in Kigali, Karongi, and Rutsiro / Lake Kivu

Coach education and certification pathways

Athlete welfare, tuition stipends, and family support

Competition entry, travel, and community swim safety

What ISC does not do. It does not issue US tax receipts; charitable US gifts are received by Friends of Ishyaka, Inc.

Entity & governance architecture

Side by side, so no one has to guess.

	Friends of Ishyaka, Inc.	Ishyaka Swim Club
Legal status	US 501(c)(3) public charity	Registered Rwandan national NGO (NNGO)
Based in	United States	Kigali, Rwanda
Governed by	US Board of Directors	Rwandan leadership: Elise & Liban Mugabo
Primary role	International fundraising, equipment, exchanges	Daily training, coaching, athlete welfare
Receives	Tax-deductible US and international donations	Lesson fees and monthly squad membership
Payment rail	Givebutter → US bank account	MoMo code and I&M Bank account in Rwanda
US tax receipt	Yes	No

Ishyaka Swim Club· Rwandan national NGO

Our approach

Rwandan leadership, long-term commitment.

Daily training rooted in local communities

Coach education and responsible adult leadership

Athlete welfare and tuition support

International exchange without displacing local ownership

Direct support. Lasting pathways.

Help the next swimmer step forward.

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