Africa International Club Rwanda (AIC Rwanda), a social club in Rwanda serving a dual purpose- culinary celebration and extending a helping hand to grassroots projects through charitable initiatives, on May 4, held its second edition after COVID-19 in Kigali.

More than just a gastronomic celebration, its essence is that attendees buy coupons for savour and drinks which is given back to the community.

Attendees, mainly sponsors, revellers and vendors [Hotels and restaurants] enjoyed delicious cuisines, participated in raffle prizes and enjoyed vibrant entertainment including dance, songs, circus, and more.

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According to Andrea Kucera, the President of AIC Rwanda, AIC originated in 1988 as a French Club and evolved into a social club before becoming a charity event. All funds raised are 100 per cent dedicated entirely to grassroots projects, reflecting the organisation&039;s commitment to giving back to the community.

She said: "From last year to now, it's actually doubled. The support is so overwhelming and so we're so thankful for it because that enables us to get back to the community."

"If you want to get involved in the community, AIC is a nice tool to get involved to give back to the community. I always say we're not here to rescue Rwanda. We are to better their lives or to help them, that is what it's about," she noted.

"AIC it's for a good cause because all the money here is for donations. So, that's why joining, it's a very big thing for us. We are all into helping people, we're going to give back to the community," affirmed Clarisse Umutoniwase, a Co-owner of Lavana restaurant renowned for its Mexican cuisine.

"I believe in giving back to the community and donating or helping people in need, it's very important," she said, "We wish we can give more or do more but we do all we can. You give compared to what you can afford, you know, nothing is less or more, it depends on what you can actually give."

Umutoniwase encouraged profitable businesses to join the movement, highlighting the financial struggles many families face in affording school fees. By supporting education, businesses contribute positively to the country and help children access schooling, which is crucial for their future.

Jean Luc Kayihura, from Serena Hotel, one of the event's sponsors, expressed, "It's good because it's humanitarian. As a human being, you have to participate and give your part for humanitarian purposes."

He added: "We live to lend a hand to each other. That's why if there's an opportunity to play your role in society, I believe it's a responsibility, just as Marriott Hotel serves and works closely with people."

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AIC Rwanda is a fun-loving group of people from around the world, united by their shared experience of living in Rwanda. Making friends, supporting one another, and embracing diverse perspectives create a sense of community in Kigali. Each month, from September to June, they gather for coffee, social events, and outings, all designed for members to enjoy.

Originally founded in 1988 by expat women, the club operated in French. Over time, it shifted to an Anglophone focus and incorporated charitable endeavours. Funds raised from social events were directed towards grassroots projects in the community. Membership expanded to include both expats and locals, enabling the organisation of major fundraising events in Kigali&039;s calendar.

Since 2010, AIC Rwanda members have volunteered and engaged in charitable works to support the community. In 2017, a formal system was introduced for members to manage due diligence, assessment, monitoring, and follow-up of viable economic project applications. The funded projects varied from structural to teaching and coaching solutions across Rwanda.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to nationwide lockdowns, reducing opportunities for fundraising through social activities. Consequently, grants were smaller and mostly allocated for emergency food funding. AIC resources depleted rapidly, prompting exploration of new fundraising methods.

One such idea was the 'Taste of Kigali' cookbook, initiated by a small group of volunteer members. They collaborated with former AIC Food Fair participants, restaurants, and caterers to compile recipes and publish the book. This endeavour took over a year to complete and was successfully brought to market by Imagine We, a former AIC project recipient.

Since 2017, around 120 small grants have been given to local marginalised groups and cooperatives in Rwanda, injecting over 95,000,000K RWF (approximately 95K USD) into the community through the Small Funds Committee over six years.

Additionally, this year, donations including water tanks to Bridge of Hope School, sewing machines and materials to Ijambo-Rye, and pottery materials to Best Potters have been made, continuing support given to these organisations and others since its beginning.