HVP Gatagara Center was the first center in Rwanda that was established to cater for children with mental disabilities.
On 29th November 2018, when Ecobank celebrated its Annual Day, the bank’s staff and directors here in Rwanda, visited Brothers of Charity at HVP Gatagara Center and laid a foundation stone at the location where the two-room apartment will be established.
Ecobank’s managing director in Rwanda, Alice Kilonzo-Zulu, said that every year, Ecobank dedicates one day to interact with residents and support them.
Ecobank staff said that it was in that regard that they chose to join children with mental disabilities to show them some love.
This year’s theme is “Supporting young lives in Africa”.
“We are here not just to donate, but to interact, listen and understand the challenges behind,” Kilonzo said at the Ecobank Day event.
She added, “They talked to us and told us many of the challenges they have including lack of money to pay teachers their salaries. They mentioned many problems but we will help them with accommodation,” she added.
Ecobank Day was first launched in 2013. This time around, the day has been celebrated in 33 African countries where the bank operates from. Activities included helping vulnerable populations.
Kilonzo further said that “It is imperative that the institutions in Rwanda contribute to the development of our host countries and help citizens, especially the needy because as a bank, we cannot just invest in doing business, but also continue supporting communities.”
The director of HVP Gatagara, Ndera branch, Elissam Salim Ntibanyendera thanked Ecobank for the support.
Ecobank’s staff also gave foodstuffs and game kits.
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