COWI: Building Bridges, Changing Lives, 2025

—Breaking Barriers to Education and Health— We are excited to announce that this year’s COWI bridge project has been confirmed! In October, a group of 10 volunteers from across COWI will travel to the Gicumbi District in Rwanda to help build the Rebero Suspension Bridge.   This 72-meter steel suspension bridge will provide a much-needed safe crossing over the Warufu River for several local communities. Today, during the rainy season, the river floods and blocks access to vital resources such as schools, health centers, and markets. As a result, children often miss school, and many community members struggle to get to work or keep their businesses running.   The new bridge will change that—improving safe year-round access for approximately 3,220 people. By eliminating a major barrier, this project will help connect communities, expand educational and economic opportunities, and ensure better access to healthcare.   —Connecting Communities for a Better Future— The bridge will be built entirely by hand, with COWI volunteers working side by side with local residents. Materials will be sourced locally where possible, ensuring the solution is both sustainable and environmentally responsible.   Once completed, community members will be trained to inspect and maintain the bridge, supporting its use for generations to come.   COWI is proud to partner with Bridges to Prosperity on this meaningful initiative. Stay tuned for updates as the project progresses!