‘Army Week’ activities focus on the disabled

This year’s Army Week will focus on children and youth with disabilities and the mentally handicapped.This was said yesterday during the launch held at Inshuti Zacu Centre for the physically and mentally handicapped in Kicukiro District, Kigali city. The centre is home to 30 children. The Army Week is an armed forces-led community outreach programme. This year’s initiative is spearheaded by Kanombe Military Hospital.Speaking at the launch of the week, the Minister of Defence, James Kabarebe, stated that the rights of the physically and mentally disabled children must be respected as of those that are able-bodied.He noted that the country’s armed forces are obliged to play a role in reaching out to all the needy in the society specifying that this year’s army week is dedicated to improving the health of the children.“The army not only fights wars, but also other battles such as diseases and poverty. In the absence of wars, the army should keep fighting other battles that keep the nation unhealthy since these have potential to bring about real wars. Our army is testimony to fighting other battles affecting the lives of Rwandans.” He called on the Army and Kanombe Military Hospital team to keep up the good work and continue working with the centre even after the Army week ends.According to the Director of Rwanda Military Hospital, Dr. Ben Karenzi, the facility would partner with the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF). He said that they would offer free treatment to all children in the centre for a week, as a way of reaching out to the community to ensure that Rwandans live happy and healthier lives.“We have a team of specialists and other medics that will be here for the whole week, offering treatment to all the children and youth in this centre, as the focus of our Army Week activities. We shall even do follow-ups after the one week for those that will need it.”The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Aloysea Inyumba, commended MINADEF for the initiative further singling out its active involvement in the month dedicated to women and girls.

National

‘Army Week’ activities focus on the disabled