The Rotary International President Gordon and Rotary delegation on Saturday, March 23 visited Kinyinya Rotary House, an initiative that aids cancer patients with accommodation, meals, counselling, and transportation to and from Kanombe, with support from Nuns, Rotary Clubs of Kigali Virunga members in Rwanda and other well wishers. The centre located in Kinyinya sector, Gasabo district is part of Rotary Rwanda's initiatives countrywide. This was part of McInally’s three-day working visit to Rwanda from March 21 to 23, aimed at strengthening the relationship between the Government of Rwanda and Rotary International in line with Rotary International's core values, notably its commitment to Service above Self under its fundamental principles. Visiting cancer patients falls under Rotary's area of focus on disease prevention and treatment, as it directly involves supporting individuals affected by a serious medical condition and providing them with care and encouragement. Among other areas includes peace building and conflict prevention, maternal and child health; basic education and literacy, community economic development and more. ALSO READ: Youth Minister urges young Rotarians to lead community service Upon arrival at the centre, the delegation was guided by Sister Hellen Katebera, the Director, who showcased various facilities from patient rooms to the laundry, vegetable and mushroom gardens, and rabbit cages maintained for financial support. Originally the house was established 10 years ago and underwent renovations in 2022 to become a modern facility under the oversight of the Sisters of Our Lady Queen of Africa. It was initially given to Rotary clubs in Rwanda by the government before being handed over to these sisters, however it is still Rotary's. The renovation cost Rwf70 million. Since its inauguration, the centre has received over 151 cancer patients, providing accommodation for those receiving treatment at Kanombe Military Hospital, particularly for those from outside Kigali who cannot afford lodging during their treatment. According to Sister Katebera, patients can stay at the centre for up to 40 to 50 days or longer, depending on their medical needs, with most staying for a maximum of 50 days. The centre has 27 beds and provides accommodation, meals, counselling, and transportation to and from Kanombe, with support from Sisters, Rotary members in Rwanda and other sponsoring individuals. ALSO READ: Rotary Club of Kigali Seniors' mission to curb malnutrition, give health insurance to vulnerable families In his remarks, McInally said: It's been great to be in Rwanda for these last three days, and I'm very sad to be leaving. Everytime I come I see a new Rwanda and I see that the country is a beacon of Hope for Africa. We've had the great good fortune over the course of these three days to see much of the work that's being done by rotary here in Rwanda. As the international body, we're very anxious to support that work. We have made some contacts and we will be pursuing these contacts going forward.” He noted: We've also had the good fortune to meet with many government Ministers in the course of the visit and we're beginning to explore the possibilities of supporting the healthcare projects that the government are interested in and also the educational projects that the government interested in and using our members here on the ground in Rwanda. McInally assured that further conversations will take place to see just exactly how and when that opportunity can arise. In particular, Rotary's funding has been created through the rotary foundation, which is our charitable arm and we make grant funding available to rotary clubs and to Rotary districts globally and that's conditional on approval of the application that is being made. For example, right here we have been hearing about proposals that the rotary Club of Kigali Virunga has to re-equip their kitchen and other part issues here. Will be seeking international Partners for them to help that come to fruition,he said. Therefore, I thank the members of the rotary for everything that they do because they are making a difference in this country. Make no mistake about it, they're making a big difference in all the small, medium and large projects, they're making a big difference. And I would encourage anybody who has a spirit of caring in their heart and I believe in Rwanda, there's a great many people with spirit of caring in their heart, I would urge them to consider being part of rotary and become members of rotary themselves, so that they can do the work. ALSO READ: Rotary club Kigali commits to mentor youth Jeanette Manishimwe, 27 year-old was one of the first patients admitted to the centre, where she resided for over three months due to her battle with skin cancer. I had come from Ngororero district in the Western province and I had no place to stay. However, they provided me with care and accomodations. Soon, I felt a bit belonging and familial to home. Throughout my stay, I underwent successful treatment and eventually recovered from illness and later chose to remain at the centre to engage in voluntary work. I extend my gratitude towards the Sisters for their exceptional care and support, she said. Ribine Barushywanubusa who suffered from testicular cancer, was referred from Butaro Cancer Hospital in Burera district to Kanombe Military Hospital. Barushywanubusa attended treatment daily until he ran out of funds, but later discovered a centre that provided accommodations and support, which aided in his recovery. He's still there with much anticipation to be recovered in a few days.
