Burera:Reverend Pastor Charle supports 81 girls with dresses and Ejo Heza savings initiative

Reverend Pastor Charles Ndikubwayo, in partnership with the American organisation Dress a Girl Dresses, has provided dresses to 81 schoolgirls from schools in Rugarama and Cyanika sectors of Burera District, while securing financial support for 100 children to enrol in Rwanda’s Ejo Heza long-term savings scheme.

The initiative seeks to support girls from underprivileged families by providing them with clothing and promoting a culture of saving from an early age, enabling them to plan for their future and build long-term financial security.

The initiative was warmly welcomed by the children and school administrators, who said the support would ease the burden on vulnerable families and contribute to children’s well-being, confidence and continued participation in education.

The Headteacher of GS Maya II, Protais Nteziyaremye , commended the organisers, describing the provision of clothing and the introduction of savings as an important investment in the children’s future.

“These clothes, together with the financial support to help the children save, represent a significant step forward. What is particularly encouraging is that the children are being introduced to saving at an early age, which will help them grow up understanding its importance,” he said.

He expressed hope that the initiative would expand to reach more children, particularly those from economically disadvantaged households, giving them greater opportunities to access essential support and prepare for the future.

He added that supporting vulnerable children helps them pursue their education with confidence and reassures them that they have not been forgotten, despite the financial challenges facing their families.

The Executive Secretary of Rugarama Sector, Furaha Augustin, also commended Pastor Charles for his contribution to youth empowerment, emphasising that promoting a sustainable savings culture can have a more lasting impact than providing short-term financial assistance.

“Giving someone money to sustain themselves for two days is helpful, but it is even more valuable to help them establish a means of securing financial resources consistently. That is why we commend Pastor Charles for his commitment to helping young people prepare for their future,” he said.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the Government of Rwanda’s efforts to promote a savings culture among citizens, although encouraging greater participation among young people remains a challenge.

He explained that the financial contribution would support 100 children to open Ejo Heza savings accounts, with the aim of helping them accumulate savings that could improve their livelihoods and economic prospects as they grow older.

“We have received support intended for 100 children, and we will help them open savings accounts. By the time they reach the age of 30, we hope they will have accumulated funds that can help transform their lives and support their development,” he said.

He observed that participation in Ejo Heza remains relatively higher among adults, while young people have yet to embrace the scheme at the desired level.

Pastor Charles Ndikubwayo said the initiative was inspired by his concern for children in Rwanda who continue to face challenges related to access to adequate clothing and other basic necessities.

He explained that Dress a Girl Dresses, an American organisation based in Arizona, United States, played a key role in sourcing the dresses distributed to the schoolgirls.

“The idea of dressing these girls came to me when I travelled to the United States for medical treatment. Even while there, I continued thinking about children in Rwanda who do not have adequate clothing. Fortunately, I came across an American organisation called Dress a Girl Dresses, which provided us with dresses for the girls,” he said.

He added that the clothing was subsequently brought to Rwanda and distributed to the children, alongside support intended to help them access health insurance and participate in the Ejo Heza savings scheme.

Pastor Charles Ndikubwayo expressed appreciation for the organisation’s contribution, reaffirming his commitment to continuing the initiative and reaching more children in need.

The initiative combines immediate social support with long-term financial empowerment by addressing children’s basic needs while encouraging them to develop responsible saving habits early in life. Through this approach, organisers hope to strengthen the well-being of vulnerable girls and equip children with the foundations for a more secure future.