Probably, more than the usual glamorous dresses and tuxedos seen on the red carpet, people enjoy seeing their favorite celebrities dressed down in earth-tone T-shirts and jeans, covered in dirt and looking somewhat out of place among a group of villagers in a rural area while lending a helping hand. In fact, non-profit and charity organizations have realized that enlisting the support of a celebrity not only boosts the donations for a charitable cause but also makes the cause more appealing in the eyes of the audience. ALSO READ: Socialite Kate Bashabe takes charity work to Bugesera Even the celebrities themselves, regardless of their fame, have come to understand that All Attention Is Good Attention. This is why some of them associate with charitable causes to boost their own public image and gain sympathy, while others genuinely engage in philanthropy to give back to society. Regardless of their intentions, here is a list of Rwandan celebrities involved in charity work, either full-time or occasionally. Kate Bashabe Kate Bashabe is a renowned socialite and entrepreneur who is the CEO of Rwandan clothing line Kabash House. She has been carrying out annual philanthropy initiatives for close to a decade through her charity organization, Kabash Cares. Bashabe helps vulnerable children, the sick, and the elderly to improve their well-being. She recently donated school materials to over 660 needy pupils in Rweru Sector, Bugesera District, in the Eastern Province. Additionally, she pledged to take back 60 children who had dropped out of school and pay their school fees for a period of one year. Over the years, Bashabe has distributed school kits to students in Huye district and supported elderly Genocide survivors in the same district by collecting money for their medication. Sherrie Silver Sherrie Silver, a Rwandan-British choreographer and actress, also uses her entertainment skills to young people. Her charity works date back at nine years old where, after losing her cousin to Malaria, Sherrie began her charity work by raising money for mosquito nets to eradicate malaria worldwide. ALSO READ: Sherrie Silver on charity work, challenges and best moments As an advocate for rural youth with the United Nations IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development), Sherrie works with farmers in rural areas to help them discover opportunities and potential in their villages, rather than migrating elsewhere. The Huye-born choreographer does most of her work through her foundation, Sherrie Silver Foundation, which provides shelter, and educational support to vulnerable children. The foundation collects donations used to provide the underprivileged with school fees, sponsorships, decent shelter and food. Israël Mbonyi The Rwandan gospel musician is also actively involved in charity activities. Through his foundation, he renovates houses for needy families, especially demonstrating his commitment to improving the lives of others. Naomie Nishimwe The Miss Rwanda 2020 crown winner is a co-founder of the Zöi clothing line. She is also a brand ambassador for various companies, a content creator, mental health advocate and an entrepreneur. Naomie serves as the UNICEF Rwanda Champion for Children, advocating for the rights and welfare of children. Aliah Cool Renowned actress Alliance Isimbi, widely known as Alliah Cool, is also a UN Eminent Peace Ambassador. She has been part of the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) since 2022. Alliah Cool has for years been involved in various charity activities varying from paying health insurance premiums to the needy to supporting initiatives aimed at empowering women in entrepreneurship. Jeannette Uwimana (Miss Innovation 2022) Uwimana made a name for herself when she won the Miss Innovation 2022 crown at Miss Rwanda 2022. Uwimana was born with a hearing disability. In 2023, she joined Humanity and Inclusion, an international organization that works alongside people with disabilities in times of peace, conflict, and natural disaster. She was named their ambassador, with an aim to inspire young people with disabilities, to overcome challenges and difficulties in accessing education by enrolling in schools that welcome children with disabilities. Colombe Akiwacu, Miss Rwanda 2014 Colombe Akiwacu, Miss Rwanda 2014, is known for her philanthropic initiatives, which include building homes for Genocide survivors in Rwamagana. Akiwacu also represented the youth at the United Nations Climate Summit in New York, focusing on her project about environmental protection. Furthermore, she actively participates in campaigns for HIV prevention and the prevention of teenage pregnancies and collects donations to pay for health insurance for orphans. ALSO READ: YB Foundation launches campaign for cancer awareness YB Foundation The YB Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the late musician Yvan Buravan. They collect donations to conduct cancer awareness - an ailment that claimed the life of the renowned artiste- and support cancer patients in general. The likes of Ruti Joël, Juno Kizigenza, Ibihame by'Imana, Masamba Intore, Sandrine Isheja are among a number of celebrities who associate themselves with YB Foundation’s cause.
