In just three years, the Rotary Club of Kigali Cosmopolitan has established itself as a growing force for community service in Rwanda, bringing together professionals, entrepreneurs and development partners to support initiatives that improve lives and create lasting impact. The club has contributed more than $210,000 (more than Rwf300 million) towards community initiatives during this period, according to its leadership. The club celebrated this journey on Sunday, June 21, during its 3rd Presidential Installation Ceremony at Kigali Serena Hotel, where Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) Catherine Ngali was installed as the club's new president, succeeding Srinivas Cheruvu. The colorful event brought together diplomats, Rotarians, business leaders, family members, and friends to reflect on a year of service, recognize outstanding contributions to society, and chart the club's future direction. The Guest of Honour, Amb. Janet Mwawasi Oben, Kenya's High Commissioner to Rwanda, commended the club for leveraging partnerships and volunteerism to improve lives and strengthen communities. She encouraged members to continue building bridges across cultures and communities through service, noting that Rotary's values remain vital in addressing today's social challenges. In recognition of her support for Rotary's ideals of Service Above Self and her commitment to community development, Amb. Oben was pinned as an Honorary Rotarian during the ceremony. Also in attendance was Shri Vinod Kumar, the Second Consular Secretary and Head of Chancery at the High Commission of India in Kigali. He announced that members of the Rotary family would have access to free yoga sessions, an initiative aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being among Rotarians and their families. Founded in 2024, the Rotary Club of Kigali Cosmopolitan has experienced remarkable growth in both membership and impact. Through collaborations with local and international partners, the club has supported projects addressing education, healthcare, economic empowerment and social inclusion, reinforcing Rotary's mission of creating lasting change in communities. Reflection on a year of service In his farewell remarks, outgoing president Srinivas Cheruvu reflected on a year marked by growth, partnership and service. Rotary is about people coming together to create positive and lasting change. The achievements of the past year were made possible by the dedication of our members, partners and supporters who believe in the power of service, he said. New leadership assumes office with pledge to inspire change and expand impact Taking office as the club's third president, Catherine Ngali pledged to build on this momentum by expanding the club's reach and strengthening sustainable, community-driven initiatives that create measurable impact. Our responsibility is not only to serve but to inspire others to become agents of positive change. Through partnership, compassion and collective action, we can continue transforming lives and strengthening communities, she said. Florida Nyiranturege honoured for a lifetime of service and impact One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when veteran educator Florida Nyiranturege received a special Community Service Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to educating and mentoring generations of Rwandan youth. Nyiranturege began her teaching career in 1967 and dedicated approximately 45 years to the profession. She was honoured for a lifetime of service that continued despite the profound personal loss she experienced during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Accepting the award, she expressed gratitude for the recognition and praised Rotary's commitment to serving communities without seeking personal gain. Expansion and outlook The ceremony also reflected the club's continued growth. Seven new Rotarians were formally inducted and pinned, while six other professionals expressed their intention to join the club, signaling growing interest in Rotary's mission of service and fellowship. In recognition of exceptional support for The Rotary Foundation, six Rotarians were awarded Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) pins, one of Rotary International's highest honours for advancing humanitarian work around the world. Beyond its community projects, the club has played a significant role in nurturing the next generation of leaders. During the past Rotary year, Kigali Cosmopolitan chartered four new Rotaract clubs, bringing to five the total number of Rotaract clubs it has established. The initiative has expanded opportunities for young professionals and students to participate in service projects, develop leadership skills, and contribute to their communities through the Rotary movement. Rotary International is a global network of more than 1.4 million members united by a shared commitment to creating lasting change in communities worldwide. Through more than 46,000 clubs, Rotary members address challenges ranging from disease prevention and education to environmental sustainability, peacebuilding and economic development. As the Rotary Club of Kigali Cosmopolitan enters a new chapter under Catherine Ngali's leadership, members expressed optimism about the future and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding Rotary's impact through service, fellowship and strategic partnerships across Rwanda and beyond.
