KARONGI - First Lady Jeannette Kagame, Friday, rewarded exemplary parents for their outstanding performance, pledged her full support.

Singling out those who have taken care of orphans since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Mrs. Kagame said, "We should emulate our own parents, neighbours, relatives and friends who have exhibited courage to take care of the orphans without expecting other benefits.”

She gave a cow and a certificate of excellence to each of the ‘Guardian Angels’ (Malayika Murinzi) in appreciation.

"As we continue to support you, it’s not only enough to take care of the orphans but also fight the widespread violence against them in general,” the First Lady said.

She explained that Imbuto Foundation, an organization for which she is the patron, would this year reward 65 parents countrywide in addition to the 90 who have been recognized in the previous years.

Mrs. Kagame challenged them to form associations at the district level in order to improve their coordination and economic welfare if they are to be exemplary in everything.

"The presents you receive are a sign of a special relationship with Imbuto Foundation and a motivator to go out and positively influence other parents,” she said.

According to the First Lady, the campaign of rewarding exemplary parents was initiated as a way of mobilizing and rekindle the traditional African values of treating every child as their very own.

Most of the parents who received cows expressed happiness and optimism that life for their children was certainly headed for a better future.

60-year old Immacullée Bapfakurera has witnessed a baby she picked during the Genocide grow into a big girl. She was rewarded for her kindness.

She shared her excitement.
"I did not even hope she would grow because she was very small when I picked her. I can’t believe that am now being recognized for that, but it is indeed so rewarding,” she said.

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