Gospel songstress Clementine Uwitonze, alias Tonzi, on February 7, visited and supported children living with mental disability at Brothers of Charity HVP Gatagara in Ndera Sector. The centre, in Gasabo District, receives young people living with mental disabilities, and is currently home to 82 children. The relief was part of the singer’s ‘Birashoboka Dufatanyije’, an initiative designed to support children living with disabilities. The initiative started in 2012. Tonzi’s friend Mariam Nteziyaremye, a Rwandan musician based in Belgium, local gospel artistes, and parents were present during the charity event. Tonzi reflected on some families that consider disabled children as a burden, noting that no human being is a burden. The singer said that children with special needs are no different than others. “Our task is to show love for all. God gave us talents for social benefits. People should avoid misconceptions that disabled children are less important. Our talents are the keys provided to open many doors for ourselves and others. We should be characterised with kind love and be supportive,” said Tonzi. The Humura star called on everyone to be supportive of the needy people, especially children with disabilities because they are part of future generation of the country and the world in general. Pelagie Mukayiranga’s four-year-old child has been taken on by the centre for two years now. She expressed her gratitude for the centre, and to the well-wishers. During the visit, Tonzi donated an assortment of supplies required at the centre, as well as foodstuff. Salim Elissam Ntibanyendera, the coordinator of Brothers of Charity HVP Gatagara in Ndera, thanked the organisers for the support, saying that the relief shows love and it will help the centre to improve the services provided to the children. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
