NEWS

During Umuganda MCF Scholars and AERG Icyusa memembers alongside their leaders and Gahini Sector leadership constructed a house for a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi

In a heartwarming display of community spirit and solidarity, students from UR Rukara Campus, supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda and AERG ICYUSA, came together on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, to make a significant impact in the lives of vulnerable families in Ibiza cell, Gahini Sector, Kayonza District.

Initiated by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars in the College of Education and coordinated by Dr. Jennifer Batamuliza of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UR, the collaborative effort was also supported by Mireille Karera, the CEO of KORA Coaching.

Dr.Batamuliza Jennifer/MCF Scholars Programme at UR coordinated the fundraising

Among the supporters was Prof. Evariste Karangwa, a member of the management team of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UR, who joined the students in this activity, alongside Manege Musore Fred, the Director of Student Welfare at UR-CE, and Gahini Sector leadership, including Mr. Jean Claude Murekezi, the Executive Secretary.

The collaborative efforts of Mastercard Foundation Scholars and AERG ICYUSA members were evident as they worked side by side, demonstrating the power of partnership in effecting positive change.

Additionally, the students raised funds for three goats, and KORA Coaching Academy raised funds for three more, allowing for the distribution of six goats to six survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, in an effort to provide sustainable support to those who have endured immense hardship.

Elderly ladies who were donated goats posing for a group photo with the students

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda plays a pivotal role in empowering scholars through holistic training, fostering academic success, community engagement, and facilitating transitions to employment opportunities, thereby nurturing global citizenship.

Similarly, AERG ICYUSA members at UR Rukara Campus have an ongoing commitment to supporting needy survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi through various initiatives, including house construction, provision of foodstuffs, and establishment of kitchen gardens.

The impact of these collaborative efforts was palpable as elderly recipients expressed overwhelming gratitude for the goats received, courtesy of the united endeavors of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars, AERG ICYUSA members, and the support of KORA Coaching at UR Rukara Campus.

Mrs.Mireille Karera/ KORA Coaching supported the students’ endeavor

Engaging with the elderly recipients, alongside Gahini Sector leadership, and representatives from UR Rukara Campus and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UR, left a profound impression on the students. The exchange of warmth and empathy fostered a beautiful moment of connection, highlighting the power of collaborative community action in creating meaningful change.

The partnership between Mastercard Foundation Scholars, AERG ICYUSA members, and KORA Coaching Academy exemplifies the potential for collective action to address social challenges and uplift communities. Their joint efforts not only provided tangible support to vulnerable families and genocide survivors but also fostered a sense of unity and empathy among all involved. This heartwarming initiative serves as a testament to the transformative impact that collaboration and solidarity can have on creating a brighter future for all.

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Story by

NTIRANDEKURA Schadrac
PRO, UR-CE