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For the past 4 years, we used to take the children of the daycare to Bambino, a place where they have rides and different games. This was their annual outing. This year, because of financial difficulties, we were very sad to have to cancel this little trip. That was until a few weeks ago, when the Rotary Club of Kigali – Virunga offered to take them to Mama Africa! So Sunday the 4th of December, two small busses picked them up at the Center. It was pure joy to see them play the games, ride the little cars and push each other to use the slides and swings! Then they ate meat balls, small pizzas, and fries with a soft drink! Tired and very happy, they came back home with a bag full of candies and cookies, but mostly with the souvenir of the pleasure they had together! Thank you Rotariens!
First Christmas Fashion Show
After 3 to 4 years of learning the tailoring trade and working together, the widows started to work on their own. While still using the facilities and equipment of the Center, they are now independent seamstresses! They still work as a team to deliver big orders. While a few have succeeded in getting contracts, it remains difficult for some of them to develop a clientele, as they do not have the skills to promote themselves yet. With the objectives of:
1) Bringing a clientele to the Center
2) Promoting their professional achievement
3) Promoting the creations of a young fashion designer
4) Promoting young artists, singers and painters
We organized a Fashion Show on December 9th. A total of 72 people paid their entrance to this event, half expatriates and half Rwandans. The creations of Colombe (fashion designer), who has been working with us for over a year, were very well presented by 5 young professional models. The room was decorated with the paintings of the Uburanga Art Studio and live music was offered by Célestin and Rodrigue, two young talented singers of Centre César who gave an outstanding performance accompanied by a trio of young musicians! We had a few local sponsors who supported the expenses needed for such an event. We are very proud to say we have reached our 4 objectives! We even sold craft products and had orders for clothes to be made for Christmas!
For us, 2011 has been a very difficult year. Funding has been scarce and we had to suspend most of our employees. Nevertheless, they kept working part time as volunteers, demonstrating their attachment to the Center and their gratitude for everything they have received over the last 7 years of our operations here in Kimironko. The success of this first Christmas Show is mainly due to their dynamic team work.
On the 24th, we will have an evening of sharing with the 9 widows of the board of directors of Centre César and all the employees who have been devoted all year long to their community Center. Since there is no budget for this kind of event, the small profit we made with this First Christmas Fashion Show will allow us to congratulate ourselves for the difficulties we overcame together and celebrate our successes. It will be a fine way to share our friendship and say goodbye to 2011!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
This is the last newsletter of the year, so I take this opportunity to thank all of you, donors and volunteers, for your contribution and your love. Without your support, our widows and orphans would not have been able to receive health care, school sponsorship, preschool education, training in different skills and opportunities to earn a living. We do not know what 2012 has in store for us, but we know we are stronger now and more determined than ever to achieve our objective of self sustainability.
May you all be blessed and may your life be good always…
Most sincerely,
Maman Nicole
Ubuntu Edmonton wishes to thank the Wild Rose Foundation for their financial support of our projects.
