On 25th July 2024, the staff of Caritas Rwanda and Caritas Ruhengeri met to exchange ideas on promoting Caritas’ visibility. The meeting also included an evaluation of the progress made in implementing the recommendations from the Caritas Rwanda 2023 General Assembly, specifically those related to the Department of Social Welfare. Additionally, the staff reviewed the activities scheduled for January- June 2024.
This meeting also aimed at brainstorming on the activities that will be included in the Caritas Rwanda strategic plan for 2025-2030.
After the prayer led by Father Narcisse Ngirimana, the director of Caritas Ruhengeri, there was a presentation about Caritas Ruhengeri’s activities carried out through its 4 departments namely: Administration and Finance, Social Welfare, Health and Development.
Speaking on behalf of Caritas Rwanda Secretary General, Sister Gaudiose Nyiraneza, the acting Director of the Social Welfare Department at Caritas Rwanda, commended Caritas Ruhengeri for their outstanding performance in fundraising during the Month of Charity (2023) and for consistently submitting reports within the agreed-upon deadlines.In addition, Caritas Ruhengeri was praised for its contributions to radio programs and articles published in Caritas Contact and Radio Maria Rwanda. Thus, participants took this opportunity to discuss the best way to write an article, for all Caritas Ruhengeri departments to write in the future. These articles will be published in Kinyamateka and Caritas Contact.
To increase the productivity of the 2024 Charity Month, participants deemed it necessary to strengthen animation everywhere.
The meeting also discussed the point concerning the celebration of Caritas Day and the Day of the Poor, where it was noted that these days are celebrated properly in the Ruhengeri Diocese area.
Participants also discussed the implementation of one of the 2023 Caritas Rwanda General Assembly recommendations, regarding strengthening the support for integral human development with emphasis on young people. In this context, Caritas Ruhengeri staff highlighted their ongoing efforts to conduct educational activities in schools as part of this initiative.
Concerning the activities planned for January-May 2024, everything has been done, except the learning visits between parishes’ Caritas. Caritas Ruhengeri intends to conduct these visits in the near future.
Regarding the activities to be part of the Caritas Rwanda strategic plan 2025-2030, participants agreed that they will be discussed during the meeting scheduled on 12th and 13th July 2024.
Participants expressed concerns about tendency for some beneficiaries who rely heavily on continued support without taking ownership of their progress. As a result, participants concluded that there is a need to promote self-reliance and independence. It was agreed during the meeting that raising awareness about the need for behavior change is crucial in addressing this issue effectively.
In his closing remarks, Father Narcisse Ngirimana, Director of Caritas Ruhengeri, recalled that in the past, a poor person was a person who did not have food, clothes, etc. Today, there are also the poor who cannot be recognized at first sight, who have other problems that overwhelm them, educated young people with prolonged unemployment and other problems that are not immediately noticeable. Father Narcisse added that this requires discernment so that a person is assisted for what she/he needs, so that the body and soul are healthy.
After the meeting, the team visited the Centre Saint Vincent Ruhengeri, which cares for orphaned disabled children.