Cogebanque Plc in collaboration with Umurage for Education Development handed over 3,000 exercise books to SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda to support vulnerable children.

The support from Cogebanque Plc and Umurage for Education Development comes prior to the academic year 2023-2024, set to commence on September 25, 2023.

The initiative, spearheaded by Cogebanque Plc, a Rwanda-based commercial bank, provided essential exercise books to vulnerable children to access education.

S SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda is an independent member association affiliated to the SOS federation present in 138 countries that supports children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. In Rwanda, it was founded in 1979 and presently is operating in 13 districts, with field offices in Gicumbi, Kayonza, Nyamagabe, and Gasabo districts.

“As a country, Rwanda strives to implement the necessary systems to ensure inclusive education. In the same way that organizations like SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda advocate for vulnerable children, Cogebanque also takes a stand through establishing partnerships like this, with corporate companies,” said Antoine Iyamuremye, Head of Marketing and Product Development at Cogebanque Plc.

He continued, “This support is one way to demonstrate our dedication to the fostering of a knowledge-based economy. This should also emphasize the need for the private sector to align efforts with national development priorities.”

Jean Bosco Kwizera, the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda, said that it is imperative for different partners to join efforts.

“To ensure the well-being of vulnerable children, we must ensure that their various needs and rights are all met equally, with quality and efficient access to education, not just food and shelter,” he added.

Clement Mutabazi Vice-President of Umurage for Education and Development. Said, “This project was inspired by the then-trending news that some children were dropping out of school due to a lack of financial resources to purchase academic materials. We are delighted to see the vision come to life through collaborations like this one.”