The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), in partnership with Umurage for Education and Development, donated scholastic materials to SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda for the support of vulnerable children

The initiative aims to provide 10,000 exercise books and 1,000 pens to vulnerable children, enabling them to pursue their studies in the academic year 2023-2024.

Rwanda boasts a flexible education system designed to ensure basic education for all. However, there are pockets of hardship where parents struggle to afford even the most modest education aides. Recognizing this pressing need, BRD has taken the lead in supporting disadvantaged children.

The partnership between BRD, Umurage for Education and Development Bank, and SOS Children’s Villages is driven by shared goals of promoting education as a catalyst for socio-economic development. These organizations aim to equip children with the tools necessary for academic success by providing essential scholastic materials.

Pie Ntwari, the Acting Manager of BRD’s Marketing department, noted that their objective is to strengthen the partnership between BRD, Umurage, and SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda. This initiative aligns with their corporate social responsibility mission which is not just an obligation but also a path to a better future for the sectors they support.

More than 90% of BRD’s clients are university students who receive an allowance and school fees support.

Ntwari stated: "We are partnering with Umurage and SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda to support vulnerable children and students in need. These are students without parents or community support. As BRD, we believe it is our responsibility to support them because they are the children of our country and will support others in the future.”

The collaboration between BRD and Umurage began after the Covid-19 pandemic. They realized that supporting education fell under their corporate social responsibility, which also extends to sectors like agriculture, sports, culture, and other sectors that fall under their mandate.

Clement Crispin Mutabazi, the vice president, emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable children’s education.

"Not everyone can build a school or provide free scholarships, but most of us can afford to buy an exercise book or pen for a child, contributing to building a bright future for our nation. No child should drop out of school due to a lack of scholastic materials like exercise books, pens, or backpacks. The Umurage project is committed to achieving this primary objective."

Jean Bosco Kwizera, the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda, expressed his appreciation for the intervention by BRD and Umurage for Education and Development.

"We are deeply grateful for the valuable support from the Development Bank of Rwanda and Umurage for Education and Development, which not only demonstrates their commitment to transforming the lives of children but also highlights the power of partnerships in addressing critical societal needs. Supporting vulnerable children is beneficial for both parties and for the country," he said.

SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda is an independent member association affiliated to the SOS federation present in 138 countries that supports children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. In Rwanda, SOS Children’s Villages was established in 1979 and currently operates in 13 districts with field offices in Gicumbi, Kayonza, Nyamagabe and Gasabo districts.

It is operating 10 schools including a Technical High School in Kigali and a Secondary School including TVET in Kayonza. In the community, SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda is supporting more than 124,000 beneficiaries through different projects such as family strengthening, youth empowerment, education, mental health and psychosocial support, adolescent sexual reproductive health and right, oral health, reintegration, community-based rehabilitation of children from the street situation.