Kigali residents root for visually impaired children

As early as 7a.m on Saturday, residents of Kigali turned up in big numbers and gathered at the Gikondo Expo Grounds to show support and raise funds for children living with visual impairments. The event, dubbed ‘I’m your eye’, saw the participants raise money to cater for the disabled kids’ scholastic materials and Christmas celebrations. The children are under the care of Jordan Foundation. Participants raised Rwf2, 050,000 for the children, who were also present at the event. The event included hours of intensive jogging and aerobics, coordinated by Aquila, an aerobic and acrobatic group based in Kigali. Vanessa Bahati, the founder of Jordan Foundation, began the charitable organisation after her son, Jordan, was born with visual impairment. The children at the centre are mostly from visually impaired and from poor families. “I chose sports because I realised that it not only helps with fitness but also brings people together and it could be a great way to advocate for children with visual impairment,” she said. Yvonne Umutoni, one of the participants, said the event was necessary to help people exercise for a noble cause. She urged more Rwandans to extend support to vulnerable people in their communities. Joshua Rukundo, another participant, said that being a festive season, it was the right time to share love and happiness with the children. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Kigali residents root for visually impaired children