Appolinaire Nyamasenga, Chairperson, Rwanda Advisory Team, gave a presentation at our AGM, summarizing the impact of our work in Rwanda. It was truly inspirational to hear this personal account of the difference we’re making in the lives of our beneficiaries. Thank you Appolinaire!

Please see the full script of Appolinaire’s speech below. 

RSLC PRESENTATION

1. Impact on Family care packages

The family package delivery to our 27 beneficiaries improved their life remarkably and extended their life span; without the family care package delivered to them after every three months; some of them would have died. The commitment to improving welfare of our seniors through package distribution to RSLC beneficiaries and other support by our donors is immensely appreciated

2. Impact on Mutuelle Health Insurance

All our 27 beneficiaries are members of the Mutuell Health Insurance, thus medical Insurance service made remarkable impact to our beneficiaries by reducing the cost of medication and Hospitalization, which enables them to obtain better medical care during the treatment of various diseases, hence their health status greatly improved. The benefit packages include preventive and curative services and essential drugs provided at the HC and from referral Hospitals.

3. Impact on Psychosocial Support

Covid -19 pandemic came as an obstacle towards the program we had initiated that showed signs of progress for the RSLC beneficiaries. One of the approach that had been initiated was to bridge the gap of social interaction, whereby after every three months, we used to bring our beneficiaries together, discuss among themselves, and with the support of our Psychosocial support volunteer Madame Clementine would take one on one discussion regarding their moral and health problems, and would give advice. RSLC Rwanda team had in its program been organizing a get together meal, storytelling, singing, praying and other cultural activities with our beneficiaries during December each year for Christmas celebration; this also improved and built the moral feeling of being recognized and accepted by the society. By so doing, RSLC invited local authorities to participate and hence promote awareness and sensitization of local authorities about problems vulnerable elders face and also a need in constituting community action teams to take part in reducing elderly problems in order to promote their well being

4. Impact on the solar power supply

RSLC Rwanda team approached the Company doing business of solar panel installation in rural areas and requested to provide and install solar panel to our two beneficiaries who had no electricity power supply. Through our mobilization Klean-Nrg Energy Company accepted our request and therefore Madame Kabega Verena and Kampire Annonciate both from Jali Sector in Gasabo District benefited from this support. Out of the support, greater impact was realized to our beneficiaries at the level such as increased convenience and comfort, i.e. using electric lighting and appliances such as radio, TV, or a mobile phone charger. Beyond the convenience and comfort level they also examined impacts on household activities after nightfall. The availability of the solar power has paved way with candle and paraffin costs. Moreover, light may reduce the incidence of snake or scorpion bites. Much appreciation goes to Klean – Nrg Energy Company who gave hand in this noble cause.

CALGARY, ALBERTA (June 22, 2021) — Rwanda Seniors Life Centre announced today that it will extend its programs to support immigrant seniors in Calgary, AB, in addition to its core beneficiaries who reside in Rwanda. The Calgary-based charity also announced that it will be changing its name to Seniors LIfe Centre, to enable the organization to broaden its support to a larger target group.

In 2017, Seniors Life Centre was founded by Calgarian Christine Karebwayire, who wanted to support ageing seniors in her home country of Rwanda. Almost four years later, the organization now supports 27 vulnerable Rwandan seniors living in poverty, funded primarily through generous donors in Alberta and all across Canada. Since founding Seniors Life Centre,, Karebwayire started receiving requests asking if the organization, which is based in Calgary, could also help address the needs of vulnerable immigrant seniors locally.

“When we became aware of the needs among the immigrant senior population, many of whom live in social housing and struggle with accessing food and feeling isolated, we felt compelled to help” said Karebwayire. “We also feel that helping Calgary seniors aligns really well with our vision of a world where every senior lives a life of dignity, abundance and joy, free from poverty and isolation and we are very pleased to be able to expand our work to help seniors here.”

The new program in Calgary will begin by providing 50 vulnerable immigrant seniors with grocery-store gift cards to help provide them with the freedom to select food options from their countries of origin. When public health measures allow, Seniors Life Centre will also begin exploring the provision of a variety of social programs to help reduce isolation, and promote physical health and emotional well-being.

“Our primary concern is for the safety of our new beneficiaries: while we are very eager to begin the social portion of our program, we will be conducting social check-ins over the phone until we deem that it is safe and that we have the appropriate risk-reduction measures in place for our seniors to meet for outdoor activities.”

Karebwayire also stressed that Seniors Life Centre remains committed to the seniors it supports in Rwanda and will continue to expand its support there to reach more vulnerable Rwandan seniors.

“We are currently working to raise funds to build a permanent home for up to 20 seniors in Kigali, Rwanda, and we will continue our work to raise funds to address the specific needs of vulnerable seniors there,” she explained.

To donate to Seniors Life Centre programs, please visit Canada Helps.

CALGARY, ALBERTA & KIGALI, RWANDA

At this time, we solemnly mark the 28th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Seniors Life Centre is joining with all Rwandans in commemorating those who lost their lives and stand in solidarity with the survivors who lost their loved ones and who still live with pain and trauma caused by the atrocities of genocide to this day.

It is of utmost importance for us to stand with our beneficiaries who lost so much in 1994. No survivor should be alone during this incredibly difficult time of year. During commemoration, our volunteer team in Rwanda will be visiting the seniors we support to offer moral support and help them with food. For our seniors, who are particularly vulnerable and isolated, we are committed to being there for them, providing them with the kindness, care and loving community that they so deserve.

May the memories of those lost live on forever and may we never forget the impact of the genocide against the Tutsi on the survivors.