BCR donates to Ruhanga child-headed homes

KABUGA - The Commercial Bank of Rwanda (BCR) yesterday as part of the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, donated food stuffs and household items to the Ruhanga Child-headed homes in Kabuga. “The commemoration period is an important period for all Rwandans. That is why we are here to commemorate with you and to extend our gift to you,” said Ian Peterkin, the bank’s Managing Director. The donation included rice, beans, flour, cooking oil, sugar, and other household items like mattresses and buckets. BCR’s Human Resource Manager, Judith Muhongerwa, said that reaching out to vulnerable groups should be everyone’s responsibility. “What we are doing here today should be done by all of us. I am glad that BCR staff agreed to join this cause and to support these children,” she said. The bank’s Staff also took part in laying commemoration wreaths at the neighbouring Ruhanga-Gasabo Memorial site. The host, Arch Deacon Emmanuel Rutabandama, gave a brief history of the memorial site. “On May11, 1994, about four thousand people were killed inside the Ruhanga Anglican church. In 2004, the church was renovated and converted into a memorial site. These children’s parents died here and their houses were destroyed. As a church, we felt the need to build them homes and support them.” He also explained that the church had planned for 45 homes but managed to construct 42. “The children moved in here in 2004. We have about 71 children who live in these homes. These children need our help and love and it is an honour to receive BCR here,” the Arch Deacon said. “We found the children in desperate situations and traumatized. Here in the homes, they have found family in each other. We plan to put up more homes for others like them who greatly need our help,” the homes’ Program Coordinator, Speciose Mukankusi, said. She added that there is still more to be done in the homes and encouraged other companies and people to join hands with the church to help orphans. Andrew Ntare represented the children in thanking BCR for the benevolent gift. “It is true we are orphans but we are not beggars. We have a good life here. We are grateful to BCR for all the love they have shown us today. Having helped us, we too will help those less fortunate than us,” Ntare said. The children are in schools and vocational training institutes and maintain communal farms around their homes. The Church also organises for them training on other income generating activities. During the event, Rusororo Sector Executive Secretary, John Rucibigango, urged all Rwandans to join hands in rebuilding the country and helping the orphaned. “There is still more to be done here. We need more partners to maintain the memorial site.We need to do this in order to preserve our history,” he appealed. According to bank’s officials, BCR has made it an obligation to give back to the community a percentage of its earnings to aid in the development of the people. The Bank has previously generously donated towards improving the life of Orphans and children affected by HIV/Aids, refugees, education and health sectors and Genocide associations. Ends