The pandemic has affected peoples’ lives in almost all aspects; there has been loss of lives, social disruption as well as unprecedented challenges with economic and health sectors. As a way of supporting and building back the livelihoods of communities, a number of initiatives have worked tirelessly to help tackle the challenges caused by the pandemic by offering support to vulnerable and needy communities. Here are some of them; Government’s initiative to support vulnerable families As a way of supporting vulnerable families who were affected by pandemic, most especially during the lockdown, the government inducted a support initiative that supplied food to vulnerable families— these were mainly those in urban areas that were considered to be most affected by the pandemic. Root Foundation’s initiative to empower women Due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, women’s financial vulnerability was worsened by the situation. It was in this regard that Root Foundation, a local NGO that works with vulnerable children in Kigali, sought to offer support in order to fight and overcome the most pressing challenges faced by vulnerable women. he government, through a food relief intiative, supplied food to vulnerable families during lockdown The organisation enforced two projects to support families in Gasabo District by empowering mothers through equipping them with income generating skills development and Covid-19 peer counselling. For income-generating skills development, mothers were given a tutor who trained them in sewing and crafts-making. This way, they learnt how to use a sewing machine and make clothes. The women also learnt how to make handicraft items as well, and acquired skills on how to start and manage small businesses amid Covid-19. The organisation believes it is critical to invest in women economically, in order to protect them and their children from abuse that intensifies their vulnerability. Social media platform for mental health During the lockdown period, activities and plans were halted, affecting all people in different ways, including their mental health. For instance, the combination of economic and social stress brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as restrictions on movement, dramatically increased the number of women and girls facing abuse in almost all countries, according to The United Nations. For the least part, Louis Rurangirwa, the president of Rugende Women Football Club (WFC) thought he would offer his players mental and emotional support by creating a platform that would allow them continue interacting, regardless of the restriction in physical movements and interactions. Before the pandemic, his academy, which is composed of mainly young female players, would meet and play football three times a week. This, he says, was alongside acquiring other skills such as mentorship on how to build their self-esteem with the main objective of promoting gender equality in football. However, during the lockdown, this was no more. He had to come up with a way of ensuring all members remain interactive, which according to him was fundamental. Rurangirwa says he formed a WhatsApp group for members of the academy. “Although WhatsApp has been there, we never thought of coming up with one. But the pandemic made us do so and the members share their stories including what they are going through, which is not only a sign of relief to them but also, it keeps them united all through,” he says. Sight and Life’s nutritious food donation Sight and Life Foundation, a humanitarian nutrition think tank working towards eradicating malnutrition in women of childbearing age and their children, distributed food to over 600 vulnerable households of Gasabo and Kicukiro districts. Recipients of this donation included include single mothers working in the informal sector, as well as families of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and marginalised groups in the first category of Ubudehe. Saving initiative for farmers The disruptive impact of the pandemic reached farmers too. Because of this, Rwanda Village Community Promoters (RVCP) launched a saving initiative to improve the culture of saving among farmers and community members in Huye District. According to Ephrem Nzayikorera, an income generation programme coordinator, this was to create awareness on the importance of saving, particularly on beekeeping projects—one of the programmes they offer as an organisation. Other income-generating projects offered by RVCP include; pig rearing, Umucyo sewing, raising awareness about saving culture and also prenatal healthcare projects. The initiative was implemented via an online campaign, teaching sessions, and the creation of saving groups on the field carried out by RVCP volunteers. Its objective is to improve the saving culture in the community, encourage people to save money for future use as well as ensure financial stability of beneficiaries.
