Banque Populaire du Rwanda Plc (BPR) has decided to end 2021 by reaching out to different vulnerable communities through Social Corporate Responsibility (SCR).

The activities took place on December 30 at the bank's head office and in Nyamata Sector, Bugesera district where the bank handed over a modern kitchen, renovated a cow barn and provided different hygiene equipment and foodstuff to AVEH Umurerwa, an organisation that takes care of children with severe disabilities.

The lender also paid health insurance (Mutuelle de Sante) to 300 vulnerable people and school fees to nine teenagers who will study in TVET – through Grace Room Ministries, a faith-based organisation.

According to Afrique Ramba, the Chief Operating Officer at BPR, they chose to work with these two organisations this year because of the impact they have on the lives of the most vulnerable in communities.

He said that for the two activities, the bank spent Rwf8 million and around Rwf 5 million to support AVEH Umurerwa and Grace Room Ministries, respectively.

He added, "It’s our core responsibility to support the development of Rwandans and change their lives for the better.”

Cecile Umunyana, the vice-president of AVEH Umurerwa commended the gesture by BPR, saying that they badly needed the kitchen.

According to her, they were using firewood to cook, which was difficult in many ways, adding that with the new kitchen, they will use gas.

"I thank BPR so much because they gave us what we needed most and I believe they will continue walking with help us, especially in these hard times of Covid-19,” she said.

She said that among the 22 children the association takes care of at the centre, only six have families, adding that they also look after 97 children through their families.

Pastor Julienne Kabiligi Kabanda from Grace Room Ministries said that apart from paying health insurance to 300 vulnerable people and school fees to nine youths who will pursue TVET studies until they graduate, BPR also decided to share New Year’s celebration with different families who could not afford a meal. 

"There are some parents who don’t live with their children and have taken them to other families where they can get food. BPR will now help those parents to be able to usher in the New Year with their children,” she said.

"We thank BPR for supporting Grace room Ministries and for making a step to support the development of Rwandans and taking care of their health.”

Afrique Ramba, Chief Operations Officer at BPR, Cecile Umunyana, the Vice-President of AVEH Umurerwa with BPR staff during the SCR activity.

Afrique Ramba, Chief Operations Officer at BPR.

Pastor Julienne Kabanda, Afrique Ramba, Chief Operations Ofiicer at BPR with delegates during the activity.

Some of the equipments donated to AVEH Umurerwa.