Shekhar Mehta, the 2021-22 Rotary International President has commended local members of the organization for their tremendous efforts in implementing different projects including setting up Kigali Public Library, the biggest in the country. He made the remarks during his visit to the library which was established by Rotary International in partnership with the Government of Rwanda. He called it a ‘very nice project that is important to both adults and children who access it, declaring that the job of Rotarians is to make other people happy. Shekhar who is in the country to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) testified that Rwandan Rotarians are set to grow to more than 200 and do more to save lives, urging them to set up Rotary clubs in all districts of the country so that they can embark on bigger projects that helps people as well as the country. Different rotarians pose with Shekhar Mehta, the 2021-22 Rotary International President and Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi, Minister of Local Governement after the event Jean-Marie Vianney Gatabazi, Minister of Local Government said that usually, Rotarians fundraise to help the vulnerable, declaring that they have contributed to building hospitals, supplying water, helping vulnerable Rwandans access medical services, raising awareness on the fight against cancer and setting up a library, among others. I wish that the mindset of Rotarians can spread around the country. We have requested that Rwanda can have its own District of Rotary which is independent and that it is possible because different local government leaders and business owners are ready to bring money together to do humanitarian and charity activities, he said. That, according to him, will help Rwanda to achieve sustainable development without leaving anyone behind. Nelson Mbarushimana, Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) stressed the role Kigali Public Library plays to enhance literacy in the country. Nelson Mbarushimana, Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) speaking during the event. He said it is an open public platform that inspires communities to discover, to read and to learn, adding that more than 30,000 books are available for everyone. He added: This library is supporting the Ministry of Education as far as literacy and numeracy are concerned. Everyone can come here and read or borrow books. He also noted that students at any level can access the library, find different books related to their interests and do research which makes them play a role in impacting the country. Rotary International focuses on peacebuilding and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, and environmental protection by bringing together international business and other professional leaders to perform humanitarian services around the world. It was started in 1905 by Paul Harris, whose legacy has since evolved into a $1,000 donation channel where fellows contribute or have $1,000 contributions made in their name. These contributions are subsequently used towards Rotary Foundation projects In March this year, they chartered two new clubs in the country which led to ten rotary clubs within the country. Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi, Minister of Local Government speaking during the event Inside Kigali Public Library
