The Rotary Club of Kigali Golf (RCKG) handed over tailoring machines and knitting equipment to Nyereka Ibiganza Byawe, a cooperative for the deaf based in Huye, on Friday, November 22. The event, held at Rwanda National Union of the Deaf (RNUD) offices, was part of RCKG's Empowering the Future Inclusively (ETFI)initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods. The initiative is part of the club’s broader mission to foster inclusivity and provide practical support to underrepresented groups in Rwanda. ALSO READ: Rotary Club of Kigali Seniors' mission to curb malnutrition, give health insurance to vulnerable families Apollo Nkunda, the President of Rotary Club Kigali Golf, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to fostering health, education, and community development. Rotary Club focuses on supporting health, education, and the development of others, and that is exactly what we are doing here, Nkunda said. He underscored the collaborative effort of Rotary Club’s global mission, saying, Rotary Club unites people from various professions and backgrounds to support meaningful initiatives. We have over one million members and in Rwanda we have 12 clubs working towards this shared goal. Speaking about the partnership with the cooperative and RNUD, Nkunda said: We are thrilled to collaborate on this initiative. The equipment we are providing is meant to support your daily activities and empower you to grow and develop. Nkunda urged beneficiaries to use the tools effectively, ensuring they fulfil their purpose and drive the cooperative’s success. Felix Karangwa, the head of the cooperative, lauded the support received from the club. ALSO READ: Rotary Club donates to vulnerable children We are so happy to have received these tools. Although we hadn’t initially made a request, we held a meeting as members to identify our needs and were fortunate to receive exactly what we required. “We have many members, but the tools we had were few, which made it difficult for everyone to work efficiently and contribute to development. These new tools will allow more members to participate actively and improve productivity, he added. Karangwa said the cooperative is sewing school uniforms, noting that limited tools previously hindered its ability to meet demand. With the new equipment, he expressed confidence in their ability to satisfy the market and expand operations. Augustin Munyangeyo, the chairperson of RNUD, emphasised that the support provided not only benefits the cooperatives but also strengthens the entire organisation. He noted the significance of Rotary’s involvement, noting, This is the first time this club has come forward to help us, the deaf community. This gesture is more valuable than anything we have ever experienced. It is the first-time people without disabilities have thought of us in such a meaningful way, and we are truly grateful. This effort will not only address immediate needs but also empower those supported to overcome challenges and achieve long-term growth and development, he added.
