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Mastercard Foundation Scholars donate a house to a family in need in Huye District

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda have donated a house to a family in need in Ngoma Sector, Huye District, Southern Province. This remarkable initiative is part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholar community giveback activities aimed at driving positive change in society. The house was constructed through contributions raised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda. They also donated to the family other items, including sofas, a mattress, and food supplies.

“The very first thing that Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program teaches us is to give back to the community. Going back to where you came from and sharing what was given to you, either through what you learned as your skills or financially. We came together as Mastercard Foundation Scholars and thought of an activity we could do to impact the community, and so we decided to build a house for a needy family,” said Colette Utetanase Ganza, Representative of Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda.

Nyiramanzi Claire, 42, the recipient of the house is a mother of two. She expressed her deep gratitude for the support she received, as she previously had no shelter. “I used to pray the rain wouldn’t fall at night because it would leak through to my bed. With God’s help and the support of the good Government of Rwanda, I now have a place to live. What makes me even happier are the things I couldn’t have imagined owning, like these sofas, a bed, and a mattress. I used to sleep on a mat. Now, I have bags of food to feed my family, whereas before I could only afford half a kilo at a time. I’m truly happy and thankful.” Nyiramazi said. The family that received that house was selected and recommended by the local administration of Ngoma sector.

The Executive Secretary of the sector Alphonse Mutsindashyaka also expressed his appreciation for this impactful contribution.“This is a meaningful initiative that aligns with the Government’s agenda of providing good shelter to people. It is also part of the sector’s performance contract. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars are exemplary partners. When district and national evaluators will be coming for evaluation, I will proudly showcase this project as a reflection of impactful collaboration,” said Mutsindashyaka. Dr. Raymond Ndikumana, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration and Strategic Planning at the University of Rwanda, commended the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda for their efforts: “This initiative is highly commendable.

The MastercardFoundation Scholars’ dedication shows that together we can achieve great things. I also thank the Mastercard Foundation fort heir impactful program that empowers young people to drive societal change.”“As students, you should be kind-hearted and committed to impacting lives. You have set a powerful example for the over 31,000 students at the University of Rwanda.This demonstrates that we are not just equipping students with skills but also with leadership qualities to serve their communities.” He added.

As part of give-back activities, Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda (3rd cohort) also contributed to cleaning classrooms in preparation for the reopening of schools in September 2024. This activity marked the closing of the fiveday bootcamp organized for new Mastercard Foundation Scholars and underscores their continued commitment to community service.