Members of the Rwandan Communities Abroad are currently leading in the campaign to provide free solar home systems to vulnerable families back home in Rwanda. Since December last year, members of the Rwandan diaspora have donated 12,044 solar systems to different homes across the country, under the campaign dubbed Cana Challenge which is led by Rwanda Development Bank (BRD). Each of the solar home systems donated consists of a minimum of three lights, one radio, one torch lamp, and a USB plug to charge mobile phones using solar [panel] energy. The latest of such donations was delivered to families in Kayonza District on Thursday, August 18 where over 700 systems were delivered. According to Sandrine Uwimbabazi Maziyateke, the Director of Rwanda Communities Abroad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rwandans in the diaspora have always shown solidarity and continue to contribute tremendously towards all efforts geared to improving the welfare of their compatriots and national development. Members of the Diaspora who participated in delivering solar systems in Kayonza said that they take such campaigns seriously, adding that it is an opportunity for them to play their part in nation building. Stephanie Kayirangwa one of the representatives of the Rwandans living in the UK said; “We derive our inspiration from seeing Rwandans prosper. It's an honour for us to contribute to offering solar systems to our fellow citizens. We always want to come back home to a developed and beautiful place.” She shares the same views with Jean-Nepomuscène Ntezimana, a medical doctor in China and a member of the diaspora who says, “We believe everyone Rwandan has a responsibility of uplifting their fellow countrymen and women. Our contribution is a responsibility we owe to our country.” The Mayor of Kayonza District, John Bosco Nyemazi said that the gesture is a sign of how committed Rwandans are to move together in developing the country and ensuring that no one is left behind. “This is part of the national comprehensive plan of having all Rwandans connected to electricity.” The current access targets stipulate that 100% households will have access to electricity by 2024. Among these households, 70% will be connected to the grid while 30% will be using off-grid solutions like solar. As of June 2022, the cumulative connectivity rate is 73% of Rwandan households including 51% connected to the national grid and 22% accessing through off-grid systems, mainly solar.
