Imbuto Foundation has launched a new learning and sports centre that will benefit over 900 people with free educational services in Masoro, Rulindo District. The centre was revealed to the community yesterday through a special Umuganda community service organised by Imbuto Foundation where citizens as well as partners of the foundation participated. Comprising of sports grounds, a library, learning halls and an IT lab, officials said that the facility will help develop the community by initiating a reading culture and computer literacy while promoting physical and mental wellbeing in the community. It is funded by Kate Spade New York’s “On Purpose Fund.” Kate Spade New York is an American fashion and style house with handbags, ready-to-wear, jewelry, footwear, gifts, home décor and more. Parts of the facility under construction. When complete, it will provide free education services to over 900 people. / Hudson Kuteesa The centre will include a wide range of programs in the areas of Health, Education and Economy, sports, computer, among others. Speaking at the launch, Geraldine Umutesi the Deputy Director General of Imbuto Foundation said that the centre is in support of the country’s vision of raising capable Rwandans. “This centre is in line with the direction our country is taking, that is building capable people. We want our people to be knowledgeable, capable and secure. This is also a vision that Imbuto Foundation has had since our founding,” she said. The Centre’s construction is still ongoing, and according to Umutesi, about 65% of the work has been done. She hopes that it will be completed this year. She said that they chose to set up the centre in Masoro because of the potential the place showed having already been home to arts activities by the Abadahogora women’s group. The launch event also featured other communal activities including creating and planting demonstration gardens, cleaning roads, brick making and sports facility maintenance, among others. Additionally, participants of the Umuganda took part in friendly sports competitions to further illustrate their partnership and support to the community. According to officials, the centre shall be open to the public beyond Masoro, but is designed to meet the specific needs of the immediate neighbourhoods. It is located near residential areas, schools, churches and the Masoro Health Centre. Learning and sports programs within the Centre will be implemented by Imbuto Foundation in collaboration with partners like Inkomoko, DotRwanda, Resonate, Gardens for Health International, MindLeaps, Shooting Touch, General Architecture. Specifically, Imbuto Foundation will oversee the overall Centre Management and train the staff necessary to run the facility upon completion. This training of staff is set to be completed by October 2022. Thereafter, the centre will be handed over to Rulindo District. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
