The Rwanda Chinese Association, in partnership with Chinese firms operating in Rwanda, on Tuesday, May 31, donated Rwf20 million to GS Tanda School in Giti Sector, Gicumbi District, as part of their initiative to give back to the community.

The support initiative dubbed "Celebrate Children's Day with love and Donation" was co-hosted by the Rwandan Chinese Association (RCA) and Chinese automotive company Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, which is represented in Rwanda by Carbarbaba. 

The support granted to the school included stationery, food, scholastic materials and hygiene items specifically for girls at the school which is home to nearly 1500 students. 

They donated stationery, food and beverage, tableware, shoes, and other classroom and daily use materials, as well as cash donations totaling 20,000,000 Rwf

A total of 26 Chinese companies operating in Rwanda contributed to the charity initiative which also aimed at supporting the government’s school feeding programme, a move which they believe both local and foreign companies should support to ensure that all Rwandan children are hunger-free while at school.

The companies that were involved in the initiative include Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors Ltd, Carcarbaba, Choice Logistics, Landy Industries Ltd, Master Health, Trend Construction Company Ltd, Guangzou Homart Industrial LTD, D Mall Hotel, Far East Logistics, Beijing paper corporation ltd, China star construction (Rwanda) co ltd, Brother building materials LTD and World Hangmen History and Culture association among others.  

Yin Qingri, the president of the Chinese Association in Rwanda, said the drive to support the education of children is an indication of how much the Chinese community is committed to lead the way in contributing to Rwanda's development.

Donor representatives believed that all of their efforts were worthwhile when they saw the children's cheeks light up as they got their gifts.

"Children represent the country's future and aspirations, and their healthy growth is always a major concern of the society. We have the responsibility to care about the healthy growth of the next generation,” he said. 

Qingri emphasized that the Chinese are not just in Rwanda for business purposes but also have a social obligation to pay back to society which is why they contributed to reducing the burden of students from low-income families and a strong will to bring life-changing solutions to the Rwanda community.

"The enterprises and caring individuals provide not only financial and material assistance to the students, but also spiritual inspiration. I believe through this event, beneficiary students will treasure this chance of having an education more than before. We now hope they are going to work hard in class, be punctual, and develop into responsible citizens,” he said. 

"They will now strive for excellence, equip themselves with knowledge, and learn the spirit of sharing with love. In the end they will go back to communities to make an impact in different ways.”

The donation is, according to Qingri, a gesture of goodwill from the bottom of the Chinese business community’s heart. "Notwithstanding the fact that they are living in harsh environments, the children's positive attitude in learning has sparked our sense of commitment to all of them.”

Students welcome the guests during the event at GS Tanda in Gicumbi District

During the activity, well-wishers from DongFeng and overseas Chinese in Rwanda gave different gifts to children to make their day worthwhile.  

Parfaite Uwera, the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development at Gicumbi District, thanked RCA for their support to the school and encouraged Chinese investors to invest in the district by the time she highlighted potential business opportunities available in the district, notably in the tourism sector.

"Gicumbi is a good district which is not far away from Kigali. We have so many beautiful places in our district. You have all seen Lake Muhazi, which might be a great opportunity for Chinese investors, especially in tourism,” she said.

The head of the Rwandan Chinese Association Yin Qingri during the event in which children were given assorted gifts.Courtesy