Latrine construction and hygiene improvement

Community Service avenues one of the four main avenues of service in Rotary, the Rotaract Club of KIE, in that understanding served a group of less fortunate women in the village of Nyange, Ngororero district, in the Western Province of Rwanda on 5^th of September 2015.

The group is originally supported by one Rotarian Britta Konitzer through her private means.

The group consisting of 20 women that are predominantly HIV-infected and widowed due to the genocide of 1994 is among the poorest of the poor. The women do not have the possibility to ensure the livelihood for their families as they cannot afford school fees and materials depending on their kid’s income themselves. In addition, the women are not able to cover health insurances as well as they do not have the chance for minor investments that could generate an income for them. The children are often underweight and malnourished. Basic sanitation needs such as toilets, showers or soaps cannot be met by these women.

Rotaractors constructing latrine

In line with the Rotary pillars “Disease prevention and treatment”, “Water and Sanitation” and “Economic and Community development” the Rotaract Club of KIE took the initiative of ensuring basic living standards, especially in the area of hygiene and health, for the families of Nyange.

Funded by German donations the Rotaract Club of KIE constructed latrines for five selected families in special need, supported by the Rotary family, especially the other Rotaract Clubs of Kigali city, SFB Kigali and Butare. Prior the project, those selected families did not have usable latrines, leading to high health risks.

PP Keza doing the handwashing session

In order to increase the impact on the entire community, the Clubs carried out a hand-washing session for the village, supported by local leaders. By strengthening the importance of hand washing and analyzing the effects of inadequate conduction, the awareness level for the importance of hand hygiene among the village inhabitants increased and will prevent diseases and other negative effects in the future. By equipping each of the five latrines with a hand-washing bucket and all villagers with soaps, the Clubs insured an implementation of the lesson learned.

Additionally fabrics donated by the Immediate past district governor for Rotary International district 9150, Rtn Jean Runuya were handed over to the group of women. The women will distribute the fabrics according to need and availability.

The project lays a sustainable foundation for meeting basic hygiene standards among the inhabitants of Nyange Village. Five families received latrines with the necessary size for accommodating a hand-washing bucket and serving as a shower. Additionally, awareness on the importance of hand-hygiene was raised and supplements distributed. Donated district cloths will also support the women to improve hygiene and prevent from various diseases.

Rtr Jana pauses with one of the beneficiaries after latrine construction

The Rotaract Club of KIE highly appreciates the help of all supporters that made it possible to 

have a long-term impact on the community.

President Bash and CP Norryn giving away hygiene items

      

Promoting reading culture and Hygiene

It is customary for rotaract clubs to identify community needs and address them in line with the 6 Rotary areas of focus; promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies.

At the same time, reading is one of the things that still need to be addressed especially in secondary and primary school to inculcate a culture of reading amongst students in Rwanda.
 That is why the Rotaract club of KIE, Kigali Rwanda in partnership with the Rotaract Club of Bweyogerere Uganda and Rwanda Library Service on Saturday 21st/02/2015 convened at Groupe scholaire Kabusunzu/Kabusunzu primary and secondary school, Kigali  to help students read, donate books and also donate handwashing cans and posters to help improve hygiene at the school.

For a couple of weeks, the rotaract club of KIE (host club)underwent intensive preparations and  worked tirelessly from identifying the school, the need, the materials, partners for the project etc.

The event started at 2pm with introductions and opening remarks from the Deputy headmaster of Kabusunzu primary and secondary school. After, the floor was open to students to read from their choice of books. It was so interesting how students some students were able to read very well, however, some found trouble airing out words and keeping the consistence.

Rotaractors took time in between to correct and facilitate students how they can read better. More to that rotaractors later on read to students which was quite a learning experience for students on how to be a good reader. the President of the Rotaract Club of KIE, Nyoni Jean Luke expressed, in his speech, the importance of reading. "Reading should not just stop at school curriculum and syllabus, but also our normal day to day life should be refreshed by new knowledge and information though reading". He added.

After the reading exercises, handwashing demonstration lead by the Rctr Bahati, the president of the rotaract club of Bweyogerere, Kampala Uganda. it was so eye catching that everyones' attention was drawn to the President Bahati. The demonstration went well.

After that both clubs donated more than 200 books to Kabusunzu primary and secondary school with the help of Rwanda Library Services. Also a watering can and handwashing posters were handed over to the school administration to help improve the hygiene.

The Rotaract clubs of Kigali City, Kampala city and SFB kigali participated and honored the event.

Closing remarks and appreciations from the school were made by the deputy headmaster.
The event ended with group and individual photos and networking.

By DRR Vumi

Mere du Verbe Orphanage Xmas Party

The Rotaract Club of KIE in RI D9150, Kigali Rwanda had a wonderful project/activity on the 13^th December 2014 at Mere du Verbe.

Mere du Verbe is an orphanage in Kigali city that is home to over 100 orphans who are between the ages of 3-16 18 years. The Rotaract Club of KIE organized a Christmas party for the children as a way of celebration the Rotary Family month (December) and also bringing a smile to these children.

Children indulged in and enjoyed activities like painting, art and design, face masks making, games, music, dance and drama. The whole afternoon was full of fun and nothing was fulfilling like looking at these children having a good time with Rotaractors. 

The other important part of this project was the donation of 500 Books by the Rotaract Club of KIE in partnership with Isaro foundation to th Mere du Verbe.  These books will be the first ones to be put in the orphanages newly built library.

This activity captured participation and support from Rotary Clubs, other Rotaract Clubs in Kigali and the District Rotaract Representative for RI D9150, Vumi Kacheche.

The Activity was well published on social media and President Jean Luke held a talk show on Radi0 10 to talking about this activity and the Rotary family month. TV 10 was there to cover the event which was later aired on radio 10 news. 

 

Thanks to all who supported this activity in all ways to see it to success, you put a long lasting smile on the orphans at Mere du Verbe.

DRR Vumi pause with Masked kids

Rctr Charlotte hand painting with kids

President Jean-Luc talks about books donated to the orphanage

Rctr Bashir teaching kids how to make masks.

Rotary Family in Kigali, Rwanda Participates in "Umuganda"

The Rotary community of Kigali and  friends converged at the Kibagabaga  Genocide Memorial Site in Kigali  on September 27th to engage in community service with the residents of Kibagabaga.

They scrubbed the shade’s floor and cut the grass and trimmed the hedge around the structure .

The project was organized by the District Rotaract Representative for RI D9150, Kacheche Vumi who approached and liaised with the Kibagabaga cell local leader, Ngaboyisonga Samuel.

The joint project was held to celebrate the Rotary month of September theme which is the New Generations month, in which Rotary clubs around the world focus on the appreciation of youth initiatives and youth development services. Flavien Ishimwe the President Rotary Club of Kigali (Doyen) said they came as seniors to  support the youthful and energetic Rotaractors in the clubs of KIE and Kigali City and SFB to work with the community.    

Rotarian George Mupenzi, the president of Mont Jali Rotary Club said,”We came to meet and interact with the youths and the residents in this area and this area holds a lot historic significance. We would like the Rotary spirit to spread to the culture of Rwandans ” Service above Self.  The exercise was attended by Rotarian Raj, Rotarian Gerald Yemukama and Rotarian Karen from the Rotary club of Kigali Virunga, the sponsor club for all the three Rotaract Clubs in Kigali, Rwanda.

Rotarian Raj, Rotaractors Mariam, Peter, Farida and Charlotte pause for a photo

12th Installation Ceremony of KIE Rotaract Club.

The event was held at Roots in Kimironko, it started a bit late. Members organised the sitting area and Rotaractor Amon set up the sound system, and when it was nearly all done, the first visitors started coming in. Most of the Invited Guests attended, the club members and visitors from Sister clubs. Bob Kabango from the Rotaract Club of Kampala City took up the Mic and started engaging the crowd in English, and an improvised version of Kinyarwanda with a heavy influence of Luganda.

The event was graced with the presence of The Assistant District Governor(D9150)-Rotarian Parfait and IPP Albert from the Rotary Club of Kigali Montjali. Rtn CPP Paul, Rtn PP Raj, Rtn Juma, Rtn Sam and Rtn Patrick from the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga. When all was under way and everybody comfortable except yours truly who was working on the projector, and other members trying to make the event a success, namely Jimmy, Eric and Hope. Jimmy was called to give his stand up comedy-skit and to his credit he didn’t laugh at his own jokes though the audience we more informed than cracked up by his delivery and content. Then, Kigali City president Amon fired away the first speech of the day.
Rotaractor Innocent gave a speech on behalf of Rotaract SFB. King David Academy gave us some original entertainment with a hip-hop track. DRR Vumi engaged everyone's attention with an elaborate Poem about the club, that was followed by a thunderous applause.

A heavy buffet was waiting for us at the food table and The Roots management didn't disappoint. President Keza took up the Mic and gave a hearty speech, she thanked everybody and mentioned names, she talked about the previous and yours truly tried to bring up the relevant photos in the slide show, but what really got to the audiences heart was the Nibakure Children's Home Video>.


After the speech she had to hand over the instruments of power to Jean Luc. Hugs where exchanged, hands were clapped, and photos were taken. Not forgetting the smiles. in addition to to his funny comments throught out Rtn Sam led everybody to a congraculatory song. "He's a jolly fellow" And then it was up to President Jean Luc to give his acceptance speech. President proceeded to call upon his team to come up on stage and parade. Mackline and Stephen were inducted as the new Kids on the block. Keza again took up the mic to give away the awards, of a few cartegories, Best Rotaractor (Rtcr Hope), Best Make-Up Rotaractor(Rtcr Amon) and best Director(Rctr Vumi) and a few more. This was followed by the Auction and then the Raffle, which created quite a buzz and most of the top guests most happily participated.


The final speech of the night was delivered by the guest of honor-ADG Rtn Parfait- as it is a common tradition the guest of honor's speech to conclude events.His speech was great considering he's more comfortable in French and had to read it. A skit from Alex, Faridah, Eric and Innocent followed and then the cake. The cake was good, as they all come. Yours truly gave his poem! And then Emcee Bob called on the party to join the dance floor as Dj Amon played the music. Many thanks to all those who made it to the installation in spirit and in person, Rotaract Club of KIE is forever indebted to you. You can find more of this events photos on our twitter and facebook pages Twitter handle: @RotaractKIE. Facebook page: Rotaract Club KIE.

New Rotary Year, New Leadership.

Done by DRR Vumi (2014-15)
On the 26th of July the Rotaract Club of KIE and invited guests will witness the official handover(Installation) of Immediate Past President (IPP, 2013-2014) Keza Gladys to President Jean Luc Nyoni (2014-2015).

The Club has had 11 vibrant and exemplary Presidents who have kept the club's service to the community and development of members at the peak of the pyramid and Jean luc joins the presidents' quarters as the 12th president.

President Jean Luc faces a great challenge of keeping up to the clubs' outstanding standards that IPP Keza set up during her term. IPP Keza and her team have lead the club to excellent results with membership raising high, steady flow of activities in all directorates, involvement of other clubs and community in club activities, timely reports among others.

The Rotaract Club of KIE very much appreciates The commitment and exemplary leadership that IPP Keza and her team demonstrated during the Rotary year 2013-2014 for they have indeed Engaged Rotary and Changed Lives

                                                        

                                                           President Jean Luc (2014-2015)

We also congratulate President Jean Luc and wish him and his team the best of this Rotary year (2014-2015) as we pledge our full support to Light Up Rotary

 President Keza (2013-2014)

                                                                            
Stay tuned for the full story of the Rotaract Club of KIE's installation with with pictorial to put a cool and catchy flavor to the story

Charity Giving Project

                             CHARITY GIVING PROJECT

Charity Giving Project is a project by RCKIE, where at the beginning of each year a certain vulnerable group of Rwandan society is targeted for sharing and enjoying with RCKIE.

The year 2014 was the turn for an orphanage called Mere du Verbe located in Kigali city (Remera district/Remera sector/ RUKILI cell) and the project was jointly done by RCKIE and RCKC. Mere du Verbe orphanage accommodates around hundred (100) children of different age, most of them are young children studying primary school and below, others are in secondary school.

On an early morning of 11^th day of January 2014, a big team of RCKIE and RCKC Rotaractors gladly entered the gate of the orphanage carrying scholastic materials, gifts, sweets and the love for the children.  At the entrance, the group was warmly welcomed by the person in charge of the orphanage towards the main area prepared for the official welcome, presentation and the introduction to the children

children doing activities in groups with Rotaractors as they get closer and closer

At first the children were not open to rotarctors and seemed rather reserved. However, a few minutes later, getting to know u sessions sparked the openness and both parties interacted like they knew each other from way back. Both Rotaractors and the children indulged in group activities include mentorship, games, culture, values, talent show and entertainments. 

Pic2: Rotaractors dancing with children

I may emphasize on dancing and talent show, it was amazing to see performances from little children, they dance like professionals, I can really ensure you, everybody in our team of Rotaractors was astonished, it was amazing and wonderful.

At lunch time it was wonderful to share with children the delicious meal and a soda while having an open conversations and jokes 

Pic3: children sharing delicious meal with Rotaractors

Lunch was followed by groups presentations, where some group  presented on Rwandan culture (igitaramo&ibisakuzo) showing how Rwandan proverbs used to be. It was amazing to hear a long proverb from a little child which is meaningful with lots of lessons for all of us. Then came talent show where Rotaractors surprised and impressed by a talented boy who composed his own song and performed it excellently. At his age it’s really unbelievable. The theatre without mixing speech or words was also amazing.

 Pic4: traditional dancing, performed by children

Though one group was selected as best presenter and received an addition gift, all groups and every child received rewards and a gifts.

At around 6pm in the evening before the wrap up of the program, Rotaractors handed scholastic materials to the children, whishing them success in their studies as they growg up. The children expressed their appreciation by performing a tradition dance to wrap up the day.

As we were winding up the visit, Kabanyana Céline the orphanage representative took a speech and thanked rotaractors for their unequalled generosity recognizes their love for the children.

“We usually have visitors, but they only visit for a short while, you are special, spending the whole day with the children like this since morning till almost 7 PM it’s a big difference and so helpful” Céline said as the children waved up their hands saying good bye to their dear friends and most importantly elder brothers and sisters they never had.

I may end-up this recaps by recognizing our supporters for their contribution and motivation for the success of this project. ” Fellowship through Service”

Done by Daniel (RCKIE)