Officials from Fina Bank over the weekend visited Gisimba Orphanage in Nyamirambo and donated scholastic materials, as part of the bank’s Social Corporate Responsibility. Set up in 1980, Gisimba centre takes care of 176 orphaned children ranging from those in primary school to university level.

During the visit, the bank offered to pay school fees for five children for a full year, two boys and three girls, and donated school bags.

Speaking at the function, IIdephonse Iyongana who is in charge of the orphanage, thanked the bank for its contribution.

"I thank the bank for its contribution towards the needy orphans. We have previously been visited by foreigners who have supported these children but it is more appealing to have fellow Rwandans visiting us,” said Iyongana.

He pointed out that the assistance from the bank has come at a time when the orphanage needs it most, explaining that the world economic crisis has also affected the orphanage.

"Our donors have greatly cut on their aid,” he said.

Iyongana added that the orphanage strongly depends on aid.

"It’s a difficult moment for us because our permanent donors have significantly reduced aid,” he noted.

Another problem that the orphanage faces is lack of transport, which is necessary in times of emergencies at late hours of the night.

Happy Umwagarwa, who represented the bank, urged the orphans to realize their situation and work harder to get out of it.

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