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Ishyaka Swim ClubSwim Club · RwandaFriends of IshyakaFriends of · USA
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Impact

Measured far beyond the finish line.

We track what sport builds: confident swimmers and leaders, Rwandan coaches, strong teams across the country, a Rwanda that rises on the world’s waters, and a lot of joy along the way.

Swimmers jumping together during a warm-up

Swimmers who thrive

What we’re working toward: Swimmers who train without barriers and grow in health, confidence, leadership, school and joy

Progress to date includes

  • Athlete support covering school fees, meals and training costs, so no swimmer has to choose between school and the pool
  • A pathway to pool training in Kigali
  • We care how swimmers do in school and how they treat each other, not just how fast they swim
An Ishyaka coach supporting swimmers from the lakeshore

Rwandan coaches who lead

What we’re working toward: A growing pool of trained, supported Rwandan coaches, at Ishyaka and beyond

Progress to date includes

  • Experienced Rwandan coaches, including a two-time Olympian and national team swimmers, lead every session
  • Through our international coach exchange, coaches from abroad train alongside them, and learn as much as they teach
A race beginning at the Swim and Skate Endurance Challenge

A stronger sport for everyone

What we’re working toward: Coaches and swimmers trained across Rwanda, not just at Ishyaka, and competitions that raise the sport’s quality and reputation

Progress to date includes

  • Open meets with competing teams’ travel covered
  • Guest swimmers from other clubs
  • Donated equipment shared nationwide
  • A formal child safeguarding policy, a confidential way to report a concern, and safeguarding training open to every parent
An Ishyaka athlete racing butterfly

Rwanda on the world’s waters

What we’re working toward: Swimming that carries Rwanda internationally, as basketball and cycling already do

Progress to date includes

  • First swim club in Rwanda registered as a National NGO
  • Many of the swimmers who train with Ishyaka also represent Rwanda on the national team

Donations at work

School supplies for swimmer athletes
School supplies for swimmer athletes
Participants in the 2026 Ishyaka Swim/Skate Endurance Challenge
Participants in the 2026 Ishyaka Swim/Skate Endurance Challenge
Donated lane lines
Donated lane lines

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