The Rwandan Community in China contributed $8,215 to light up 537 families through the #canachallenge by Rwandan Development Bank (BRD).

The majority of contributors were students and the contribution was collected in less than three weeks, according to James Kimonyo, the Rwandan envoy to China.

"Having young people, especially students who don’t have any other income, contributing to this kind of initiative is an evident patriotic gesture,” he said.

He added, "it is something to be proud of as Rwandans.” "It reflects the deep sense of patriotism and a contribution to our self-reliance.”

The #canachallenge is a campaign in which an organization or an individual can make a voluntary commitment and contribution to "Light up a Rwandan Family" who lives outside of the national grid coverage region and does not have access to electricity.

A solar home system is offered to the supported families. It includes at least three lights, a radio, a torch lamp, and a USB port for charging mobile phones with solar [panel] energy. The Rwandan ambassador told The New Times that the China-based Rwandan community was mobilized by BRD to contribute.

"We liked and picked the noble initiative,” he commented saying that they were glad they could make an impact in this way.

BRD has previously stated that they expected a boost from members of Rwandan Communities Abroad to their campaign, which normally targets residents in the first Ubudehe 1 category, signifying the most vulnerable among others in Rwandan communities.