Pursuant to the Cooperative Agreement concluded between Caritas Rwanda and USAID regarding the implementation of the THRIVE Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Activity (IGIRE-Gimbuka) for a period of Five Years starting from August 10th 2022, and covering Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rubavu and Rutsiro districts, Caritas Rwanda has organized a consultative one-day workshop with its partners in Rutsiro district on August 29th 2022.
The main purpose of the event was to introduce the new IGIRE-Gimbuka Program to the district partners in order to kick start together, to have an agreement on each and every one involvement towards the HIV/GBV services improvement and better life outcomes to Orphans and other Vulnerable Children (OVC), affected/infected by HIV/AIDS, along with their families.
Nirere Nkurikiyinka Etienne, the Rutsiro district Director of Health has, while delivering the event opening remarks, reminded participants to always observe healthy practices to live safe and longer.
From 31 participants composed of youth, parents/guardians, RRP+, and community volunteers’ representatives, Caritas Rwanda has collected important information to inform IGIRE-Gimbuka work plan and implementation in the areas of GBV prevention and victims support, the Interruption In Treatment (IIT) and Teenage Pregnancy challenges.
The meeting also showcased solutions to the improvement of the current and participants stressed the importance of having an integrated solution with the participation of all levels from the family to the community/society, local leadership and high-level decision makers, health and legal services among others. The workshop results will be applied as well to the other 3 districts of IGIRE-Gimbuka coverage (Karongi, Nyamasheke and Rubavu).
The event was a success and was highly appreciated by partners and stakeholders, including Mr. Esron NIYONSABA, the Orphans and other Vulnerable Children (OVC) Specialist at USAID, the assigned Agreement Officer Representative (AOR) to Caritas Rwanda IGIRE-Gimbuka and PACT-ACHIEVE representative and MEL Director Teddy KABERUKA.