FEATURED: Vivo Energy Rwanda launches online donation platform to support visually impaired children

Over 400,000 children in Rwanda live with some form of visual impairment. Visually impaired learners often face exclusion in education due to lack of tools, resources, and systemic support. Vivo Energy Rwanda, a leading supplier of Shell and Engen branded fuels and lubricants , in partnership with key stakeholders including Jordan Foundation, has launched a campaign dubbed “Tugendane: Loosely translated as Let’s walk together” aimed at empowering visually impaired children through access to learning and mobility tools. The campaign was launched on April 29, 2025, at HVP Gatagara School – Rwamagana, a leading institution for children with visual impairments. With strong partner support, the initiative is entering a new phase of public engagement through its online donation platform and digital storytelling: www.tugendane.rw. With the new donation platform now live, everyone in Rwanda and beyond can contribute to this important cause. The New Times had an interview with Linda Muhirwa, the Marketing and Communications Manager at Vivo Energy Rwanda who explained the rationale behind the donation campaign. Below are the excerpts: Can you give us an overview of the Tugendane campaign and what inspired its creation? At Vivo Energy, one of our core values is Caring. When the Jordan Foundation approached us, we were deeply touched by the challenges visually impaired children face in accessing education. During our visit to HVP Gatagara—one of the schools we’re partnering with—we discovered that previous support had ended. These children had been relying on help from other partners, but that support had ceased. As a result, the children were left without basic learning tools, which was heartbreaking. We knew we couldn’t just walk away. It wasn’t enough to visit and then return to our routines as if nothing had happened. Our hearts wouldn’t allow it. We had to take action. That’s how Tugendane was born—to remind these children that they matter. That’s how the campaign came to be. Over 400,000 children in Rwanda live with some form of visual impairment and many are excluded from learning due to a lack of resources. That's not just unfair, it's unacceptable. So, with the Jordan Foundation providing an overview of the children's circumstances, we decided to launch this initiative—to make sure no child is left out. That’s how Tujendane began. Are there specific stories or testimonies you can share? What did you observe during your visit? What specific challenges touched you the most? There are so many. One story that truly moved me—and also affected several of my colleagues—was about a boy from a family of nine. He is the only visually impaired child in the family and, sadly, he is the least prioritised. He often comes to school with absolutely nothing—no school fees, no materials. Yet school is his safe haven. He tells us, “I love being in school.” In the videos we have, you can see that being at school is a place of joy for these children. It’s where he feels seen and equal. His smile says it all. He may lack school fees, but thanks to HVP Gatagara for continuing to support children like him. Not everyone would do that. That’s one story among many that touched us—children who are happy to be at school even though they can barely afford to be there Have the teachers shared any challenges with you? Yes, absolutely. The main issues are a lack of materials, insufficient funding to operate the school, and limited educational tools. They need things like Orbit Readers and a good library. These children are smart and eager to learn, but they have to share equipment, which slows their progress. Despite the challenges, they’re often ranked 13th in the country in national exams. Imagine what they could achieve with proper resources—they might be in the top five! Often, students come to school without fees, and partner organisations can only support a limited number. So, we asked: how many students are currently without school fees? They told us 60. We, at Vivo Energy, committed to covering those fees. This funding enables the school to purchase materials and tools. That’s how we started thinking bigger—how can we raise more funds and help more children? That’s how the donation initiative began—to bring more smiles and better futures. We didn’t want to do something one-off. Paying fees for one year isn’t enough. So we began encouraging people: please donate. Help a child smile again. Help a child access education. Who are the partners involved in this initiative? Our primary partners are the Jordan Foundation and Vivo Energy Rwanda. We’re in the process of onboarding new partners, though none have joined just yet. Their dedication and vision for inclusive education planted the seed, and together, we're nurturing it into something beautiful. How can Rwandans get involved? Can anyone participate in the initiative? Yes—students, farmers, anyone from the community. Through the website, people can donate whatever they have. Nothing is too small. Read the stories on the portal and find out how best to contribute. But more importantly, we ask people to listen with empathy. Don’t just hear us—truly listen. Then act: donate, share, or spread the word. Awareness alone is a powerful form of help. Simple: Visit www.tugendane.rw. Read the stories. Feel the heart behind this campaign. And if you can, donate. Every little bit helps a child learn, dream, and thrive. We know not everyone is comfortable with digital platforms. So, we’ve made a phone number available—mine and our customer service line. Anyone can call and say, “I want to join this initiative,” and we’ll help them in the best way possible. What's one thing listeners can do right now? Listen with empathy and then act. Donate, share, or simply spread the word. These children deserve to be seen, heard, and supported. What does the launch of www.tugendane.rw mean for the campaign? The platform gives everyone access to the campaign-from learning more to donating. safely. It's secure, user-friendly, and brings the campaign closer to the hearts of Rwandans everywhere. It’s accessible even via mobile, which most people use. We’re also exploring physical outreach. If someone wants to meet us or learn more, they can come to our offices. What is the long-term goal for Tugendane? Tugendane is a long-term commitment. It’s not just a campaign—it’s a vision of justice and inclusion. Our current phase focuses on collecting funds and tools for two schools. The next phase, in partnership with the Jordan Foundation, will involve constructing a third school for visually impaired children in Rwanda. This will be a safe, empowering space designed just for them. Currently, there are only two such schools in the country. Our goal is to change that. Our long-term vision is to fully equip visually impaired children with the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond. How will you sustain the campaign over time? We won't stop until these children have what they need. We're working on onboarding more partners to join this mission because when we walk together, we can go farther. Tugendane is a journey, and we're committed for the long run. Vivo Energy is also committing a dedicated portion of its budget to sustain this initiative. We aim to raise 200 to 300 million Rwandan Francs. This funding will primarily go toward educational tools, which are more urgent than school fees in some cases. What final message would you like to share? Let's move forward together no one should be left behind. When we uplift the most vulnerable, we uplift our whole nation. Education is a right, not a privilege. Let's care. Let's act. Let's Tugendane let's walk together Education is a right—not a privilege. Let’s care. Let’s act. Let’s work together.

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FEATURED: Vivo Energy Rwanda launches online donation platform to support visually impaired children