Chinese Embassy in Rwanda Supports Imbuto Foundation’s COVID-19 prevention efforts

On Friday 7^th May, 2021, the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda donated various items to Imbuto Foundation, including face-masks, hand sanitizer, thermometers and locally-made smartphones, in support of Rwanda’s COVID-19 prevention and response efforts in community level. These items will be mainly distributed to hundreds of Community Health Workers, and vulnerable households in rural areas.

The handover ceremony took place at the Chinese Embassy, where Ms. Xing Yuchun, DCM, Political Counselor at the Embassy handed over the donations to Mrs. Radegonde Ndejuru, Senior Advisor in the Office of the First Lady and member of Imbuto Foundation Board, as well as Ms. Sandrine Umutoni, Imbuto Foundation’s Director General.

On behalf of H.E. Ambassador Rao Hongwei, Ms. Xing Yuchun welcomed Mrs. Ndejuru and Ms. Umutoni to the function. Ms. Xing said, Chinese embassy has been cooperating closely with the Office of the First Lady and Imbuto Foundation, with dozens of disadvantaged students with scholarships supported in recent years. Hope items donated can provide a better protection for community health workers and better educate local Rwandans about the pandemic. This year marks the 20^th anniversary for Imbuto Foundation, as well as the 50^th anniversary of China-Rwanda diplomatic ties. As two countries would strength collaboration in various fields this year, we look forward to doing more for the people of Rwanda in our future cooperation.

Mrs. Ndejuru said, the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda has been working with Imbuto Foundation for long and provided lots of support in the education area. As Rwanda and China enjoys friendly ties, it is hoped that the Embassy will continue to deepen its partnership with the Foundation.

Ms. Umutoni thanked the Embassy for the donation and said that Community Health Workers have made a difference in Rwanda’s COVID-19 response; they will be benefited with the donation. Beyond COVID-19 prevention efforts, the Foundation is committed to stimulating the potential of youth and empowering them. The Foundation thanks the Embassy for supporting educational projects, and is willing to continue to work together in supporting youth development.

Launched by Rwanda’s First Lady Her Excellency Jeannette Kagame, Imbuto Foundation is a non-governmental organization focusing on fighting against HIV/AIDS, improving life of Rwandan poor families, as well as early childhood development.

 Source: rw.china-embassy.org.