Charity organizations and other initiatives are making the Christmas celebration memorable and worthwhile for the underserved and less privileged in Rwanda. This is especially meaningful as more privileged people are already shopping and traveling to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones. With the ongoing celebration vibes, these organizations have taken it upon themselves to portray a gesture of love by contributing money, items, and clothes for the less privileged in this special period.
One such charity organization is ‘Our past Initiative’, a drive that enlightens the younger generation of Rwanda on mostly the negative impact of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi people. Our Past Initiative Organization has gone ahead with other friends to celebrate this festive season with an event titled: ‘Celebrate Christmas’ with children based in Rulindo District, Bugesera District, Shyorongi, and Ngeruka.
The historical Genocide focussed Organization requested for the public to participate in donations of clothes, books, shoes, and other materials that are still presentable, especially to children between the age of two to 18.
On the 18th of December, the Shyorongi town event took place and 60 children received materials such as shoes and clothes while 10 families were given food items to carry for a month’s usage.
Ariel Wayz who is a singer and vocalist was around to perform for the children, while children won gifts in games they participated in. Other charity events also played out like the Negreka event for children that occurred on December 26th and 200 children did receive items like scholastic materials and foot wears. There were lots of foods and drinks and children were able to play games, win prizes, and were entertained in the comedy nights section.
The founder and director of Our Past Initiative, Mr. Christian Intwari also admonishes people to show love by giving to others as they share in the blessings of giving no matter how little they have to give as they don’t need to be rich in order to make other people smile through giving.
Other charity organizations like the Y.B foundation which was launched in honour of the late Rwandan Afro Pop singer, Yvan Burava, carried out their first charity event called Twande Initiative on the 23rd of December where they spent the festive season with the children of Sheer Love Rwanda.
The event was well attended by celebrities like Deborah Ikirezi, Divine Nshuti, Igor Mabano, and the current Miss Rwanda who sang for the children while messages of respect, wisdom, encouragement, and hope were shared with children.
Christmas with Children in Kimisagara is another charity event that will be hosted on the 27th of December by a local non-profit and a charitable organization called Love the Kids Rwanda. Foods and drinks will be served to 53 children and other gifts will be shared at St. Peter’s building, Kimisagara.
Moreso, in partnership with the City of Kigali, is the Casmir Foundation which has vowed to invest in and educate the next generation. They have gone further in planning to host 1,500 children from the less privileged families around the Nyamirambo neighborhood to celebrate the festive season together on the 31st of December at the Kigali stadium from 11 am to 3 pm. 500 of these children who were once on the street will be supported with scholastic materials.
The national troupe, Urucyerereza Juniors will be hosted alongside government officials while children will display their talents in dancing, poetry, singing as well as participate in games like mouse and rat races and face painting, while they are being rewarded.