A team from Caritas Rwanda and Caritas Byumba staff members held a collaborative meeting to strategize on fundraising initiatives for Charity Month, the implementation of recommendations stemming from the 2023 Caritas Rwanda General Assembly, evaluation of Caritas Rwanda’s strategic plan 2020-2024, and to begin the process of developing a new strategic plan for 2025-2030.
In an effort to enhance Caritas’ visibility, it was agreed that Caritas Byumba will regularly write articles to be published in Caritas Rwanda’s annual magazine “CaritasContact” and in Kinyamateka (both online and in printed). Additionally, Caritas Byumba is actively engaged in programs on Radio Maria Rwanda, like other diocesan Caritas.
Still within the framework of Caritas’ visibility, this meeting returned to the recommendation of the General Assembly of Caritas Rwanda concerning the celebration of the Caritas Day and the Internation Day of the Poor where it was noted that many parishes celebrate these days on the same day due to lack of means. Both parties recalled that Caritas Day serves to acknowledge the dedication of volunteers and inspire young individuals to embrace the Caritas Spirit by engaging in voluntary work. On the other hand, the Day of the Poor, centers on 3 main activities namely: the celebration of mass with the poor, sharing meals with them and providing them with gifts, all in order to restore their dignity.
Caritas Byumba staff expressed their support for the recommendation to enhance assistance for integral human development, particularly focusing on young individuals. They noted that while Caritas is active in schools and universities, not all of them have established committees. In response, Caritas Byumba is currently facilitating the connection of volunteers with these educational institutions to conduct awareness campaigns on the values and mission of Caritas.
To successfully achieve the desired results for the Month of Charity, it was decided to conduct awareness-raising broadcasts on Radio Maria Rwanda, Pacis TV, and various other communication channels.
Regarding the mid-term evaluation of the planned activities for 2024 in the Department of Social Welfare, the staff at Caritas Byumba have indicated that they are currently in the process of collecting all the necessary reports to assess the progress made thus far. A meeting has been scheduled for August 12th and 13th, 2024, to review the implementation of the activities planned for January to June 2024.
Regarding the upcoming strategic plan for Caritas Rwanda 2025-2030, participants in the meeting suggested that it should align with the Government of Rwanda’s plan, as Christians are also citizens of the country. They emphasized the importance of a concise and easily understandable reporting framework for this plan.
After the meeting, the team from Caritas Rwanda and Caritas Byumba paid a visit to the Home Sainte Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus. a center that cares for vulnerable and disabled elderly people. During the visit, the residents of the center shared heartfelt testimonials, expressing their gratitude to the Caritas representatives for bringing messages of love and comfort. They conveyed that they have found love and compassion within the center, thanks to the dedicated care provided by the sisters of the Abizeramariya congregation.