achievements

Centre César

The community centre opened its doors officially on June 23, 2005 under the presidency of Mr Tito Rutaremara, Ombudsman of the Republic of Rwanda, and of several other dignitaries. The needs of the community soon outgrew the centre. A new location was found and since January 2007, Centre César now has more space to accommodate substantial growth inside and room for a community garden outside. Each week, the Centre welcomes on the average 85 women per day, to work at handicraft or embroidery, to receive food at the food bank, to visit the medical clinic or to take training.

School sponsorship

The Ubuntu Edmonton sponsorship program has been in existence since the early days of the organization. Since the first benefit dinner in October of 2005 and following the airing of the documentary "Femmes seules/Woman Alone" on CBC/Radio Canada, there has been a strong increase in interest towards this program. Consequently, the number of children sponsored has grown exponentially. From five children at the start in 2005, 26 had the chance to be sponsored in 2006.  In 2007, the count has risen to 154 children at the primary school level, and an additional 25 adolescents at the secondary school level.

For further information, or if you have any questions, please contact: Normand Doyon Volunteer Director Education Program

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Daycare

In Rwanda, there are very few daycare programs, and those that do exist are usually run by religious organisations. In 2007, Ubuntu Edmonton launched a daycare program with the goal of helping mothers as well as for preparing young children for their eventual entry into school. The official opening of the daycare took place at the beginning of March. This daycare is situated at the heart of the mudugudu (the name given to the part of the village of Kimironko that was built by the government for widows of the genocide). In 2006, Ubuntu Edmonton constructed a small building with the intention of using it as a chicken coop. Unfortunately, the restrictions set by the government following the avian bird flu inhibited the project from going forward. The building was subsequently transformed into the daycare centre. In February of 2007, the building was completely renovated and transformed into the daycare center, allowing the Centre Cesar to offer this service to the community. Since opening, the daycare has welcomed thirty children ranging from ages one to six, cared for by a dynamic team consisting of four Rwandan workers.

Sewing cooperative

In 2006 a master-tailor was hired to oversee and teach the widows how to make school uniforms for the sponsored children. African-style shirts are also produced and sold in Canada. The sewing cooperative continues to obtain contracts to make different uniforms and clothing.

 

 

Handicraft, knitting, and embroidery cooperatives

Many original products are handcrafted by the women from these cooperatives. The revenues from the sale of these items correspond to their income. By purchasing some products, you support these widows in reaching financial autonomy and thereby recover their dignity.

 

Food bank

Rice, corn flour, sorghum flour, manioc flour, sugar, beans, and iodized salt are handed out to the most needy each month. Eggs, oil, and powdered milk are also offered to women and children with AIDS and to old grandmothers. Thanks to the community garden, vegetables can now be added to the items distributed through the food bank.

Community garden

The community garden allows us to grow tomatoes, cabbages, potatoes, eggplants, carrots, spinach and linga-linga. These vegetables are distributed through the food bank and provide much needed vitamins to women and children diet.

Medical consultation clinic

Since September 2007, a medical consultation clinic is in operation in the community centre. Dr. Daniel offers medical consultations and can even make house calls in the village for the elderly mothers. The services of Pierre, a young blind man who had the chance to learn how to give therapeutic massages, are also used for the most serious cases.