Rwanda Red Cross (RRC) this year built 383 houses for the most vulnerable families, the charity has announced.

The beneficiaries are from Nyamagabe, Huye, Nyanza, Gisagara, Gicumbi and Bugesera districts in Eastern Province, the secretary general Apollinaire Karamaga said as he handed over 26 new houses to needy families in Musanze District this week.

The ceremony coincided with celebrations to mark the International Red Cross Day celebrated for the first time in 1948. It is the birthday of the founder of the Red Cross and International Committee of the Red Cross, Henry Dunant. 

 "Today is a day that I will always remember for the rest of my life because I never expected at any point to own a house like the one I have received; it is difficult to believe,” said Alice Uwamahoro, one of the beneficiaries.

The mother of three, who could not hide her excitement, is one of the beneficiaries of two-bedroom houses. 

Karamaga called for public support to enable RRC support more vulnerable people.

"It is time you join us and embrace voluntary work to support families in need,” he said, adding that the organisation currently had only 40,000 active members a number he says is not enough to support the major task of helping those in need.