The Lunds Peace Foundation

Help Build Basic Peace for a Sustainable Future

Every child deserves the chance to dream. But dreams don't survive without basic needs such as food, education, and security.

Founded by one of the children Joyce sponsored, now helping orphans and vulnerable families in Rwanda & Tanzania.

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Our Mission

The Lunds Peace Foundation (LPF) is a grassroots initiative breaking the cycle of poverty through education, entrepreneurship, and stability.

Our work is rooted in the belief that peace begins with meeting basic needs, creating stability, and empowering those who have been left out.

Children learning - The Lunds Peace Foundation
Since 2019
Building Basic Peace

Building Basic Peace

"There can be no sustainable peace without basic peace."

Right now, we are supporting nine children who live with my mother in our family's old, muddy home. We've given them a cow for fresh milk, and trained them to raise chickens for eggs and income. But this is only the beginning.

In our community, the lack of access to food, education, and stability fuels domestic violence, poverty, and vulnerability. We have seen women, often overlooked, step up to save their families. After my father's passing in 2006, my mother defied tradition to ensure that we survived. In our masculine, polygamous family, decision-making power was rarely granted to women, yet her quiet, unspoken choices kept us together.

Empowering women and children is the key to shaping a better future. When basic needs are met, families can dream again—of education, stability, and opportunities that break the cycle for generations.

Muhozi Desire, Founder & Executive Director

Founder Spotlight

Muhozi Desire

Founder & Executive Director

My Story—From Struggle to Purpose

A personal journey that shaped the foundation of LPF.

"I was born into a world where survival was never guaranteed."

— Muhozi Desire

My mother, a refugee fleeing the early days of the genocide against the Tutsi in 1979, found herself labeled an illegal immigrant in Tanzania, stripped of fundamental rights. Yet, despite adversity, a community of people who understood my struggle supported my education.

Their generosity carried me forward until I was blessed with sponsorship through Africa New Life Ministries (ANLM), allowing me to attend some of the best schools in Rwanda. That was when I discovered the transformative power of opportunity—how access to education could unlock hidden potential. That realization planted the seed for what I am building today.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in International Business and Trade from the African Leadership University, which provided me with a strong foundation in understanding global systems and sustainable development. Today, I am a graduate student in Sustainable Peacebuilding at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, working with Catholic Charities on refugee integration and systems change. I am using everything I have learned to build a future where education and stability become the foundation of peace.

This is more than just survival. It is about creating pathways to opportunity.

My Journey

Milestones That Shaped This Mission

1

Early Life

Born to a refugee mother fleeing genocide, facing challenges of displacement and limited rights.

2

Educational Opportunity

Received community support and sponsorship through Africa New Life Ministries to attend quality schools in Rwanda.

3

Family Loss

Father's passing in 2006, witnessing mother's strength in defying tradition to keep the family together.

4

Higher Education

Bachelor's degree in International Business and Trade from African Leadership University, followed by graduate studies in Sustainable Peacebuilding at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

5

Professional Growth

Working with Catholic Charities on refugee integration and systems change.

6

Foundation Creation

Establishing The Lunds Peace Foundation (LPF) to support children in Rwanda through education and sustainable initiatives.

Our Impact

Building Sustainable Peace Through Basic Needs

For the past three years, we have been laying the foundation for a home dedicated to these children. With limited resources, our focus remains on survival: providing school supplies, food, and sustainable pathways for their future.

A Future Rooted in Care, Education, and Stability

As we continue building a permanent home, every contribution helps us deliver the essentials that keep dreams alive—meals, schooling, and safe shelter.

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Food Security

We provide sustainable food sources through cow milk production and chicken farming, ensuring the children have nutritious meals daily.

  • Cow for fresh milk
  • Chicken farming for eggs
  • Sustainable income generation

Education

We provide school supplies, tuition assistance, and learning materials to ensure the children can attend school and build a better future.

  • School supplies provision
  • Tuition assistance
  • Learning materials

Shelter & Stability

We are working to improve living conditions, providing a safe and stable environment where children can grow and thrive.

  • Home improvement
  • Safe living environment
  • Solar power installation

9

Children Supported

1

Cow for Milk

3

Years of Foundation Work

100%

Funds to Direct Impact

Our Programs

Comprehensive Support Programs

Loading our programs...

In Loving Memory

Memories That Shaped This Mission

Honoring Joyce Voeller Pepos, whose legacy inspires us to accelerate visions and empower futures for underserved families.

Joyce Voeller Pepos

A Mother's Eternal Love

2019 — Forever in our hearts

A Mother's Legacy

Words by Nicole, Joyce's daughter

“For our family she is the sun. She is the source of energy that makes us grow. Her beauty and kindness radiate to our very soul.”

“When we are in the dark she is the light. A light that patiently waits for us to turn and feel her warmth upon our face and remind us about everything that is right.”

“We miss her because tomorrow is such a long time.”

The Lunds Peace Foundation carries Joyce's light forward through peacebuilding worldwide.

Our Fundraising Goals

Creating sustainable peace through basic needs and education

We are currently fundraising $253,850 to build long-term stability for children and families. Our initial target of $18,000 will help us act immediately for the next school semester.

Initial Goal: $18,000

Immediate Action Fund

Raised $6003.3% of initial goal

  • Education Support — $9,500($9,500)

    School supplies, shelter, tuition assistance, and learning materials for the nine children currently under our care.

  • Chicken Farming Expansion — $4,500($4,500)

    Building a larger, sustainable poultry system for egg production and local sales, ensuring food security and income.

  • Food & Basic Needs — $4,000($4,000)

    Nutritious meals, clothing, and hygiene essentials for the children.

Full Goal: $253,850

Our Long-Term Vision

Raised $6000.2% of full goal
  • Establish a permanent home & education center for children in need.
  • Expand sustainable farming initiatives for food security.
  • Create mentorship & leadership programs for young visionaries.
  • Provide health and wellness resources for vulnerable families.
“Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to transforming lives. Your donation today will support a lasting impact through education, sustainability, and peacebuilding.”
Blogs

Real stories from the communities we serve

Showing the power of hope, education, and opportunity.

Mercy B. Ntimba - Success Story
FeaturedRwanda

Mercy B. Ntimba - Success Story

Mercy B. Ntimba

Mercy B. Ntimba (Muganyizi’s mother) celebrates her son’s milestone. In her words, Mercy noted, “when he started high school, it was challenging to cater for his school needs. Then Desire stepped up to help him. He used to help him since he was young. He provided for my family and everyone at home. However, this time he told us that it was because of Joyce. We heard about Joyce when Desire was in high school in Rwanda). He often spoke about her love for the children. We are grateful for the love planted in the children by Joyce and Desire”. Mercy B. says Ntimba is currently our program manager and main caregiver in Karagwe, Kagera, Tanzania. She takes care of the children in collaboration with Desire’s mom.

Muganyizi Ntimba - Success Story
FeaturedTanzania

Muganyizi Ntimba - Success Story

Muganyizi Ntimba

Muganyizi Ntimba completed the ordinary level of high school in Tanzania. His dream is to become a soldier. He applied for the military course, and he is waiting to hear back.