For the second year running, this year’s festive season has been characterised by unpopular restrictions on travel and social gatherings, curfews and other limitations thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. In Rwanda, the situation quickly changed from one of an air of positivity just in the weeks leading up the festive season after the country appeared to have kept Covid-19 positivity rate under 1 per cent for an extended period, before the Omicron variant arrived, spreading like wildfire. Predictably, the government immediately re-imposed some limitations, slashed movement and business hours, and discouraged social gatherings. Nonetheless, people still made merry on and around Christmas, even where it meant celebrating with close family in the confines of their homes, joining church services virtually, or limiting their time in safe outdoor activities. Some institutions also resumed their corporate social responsibility engagements, designed to give back to the community and spread love and joy around this time of year. For the Rwanda National Police, the festive season coincided with the final days of its month-long outreach ‘policing month’ which involved officers constructing houses for the vulnerable and donation of solar panels to unlit homes. On its part, the Rwanda Development Bank (BRD), on December 16, launched a kindness campaign, dubbed ‘Cana Challenge’ which seeks to connect 10,000 households to solar energy this festive season. BRD has since taken the campaign to social networking sites, inviting members of the public to join in and pledging to top up Rwf100, 000 for every donation amounting to Rwf15, 000. This means that the more people join the challenge and honour their pledges the more homes will be lit up. Other institutions are also welcome to join this noble cause, with Bank of Kigali having already committed to pay for 1,000 homes. This is indeed an opportunity for individuals and institutions to be part of an act of kindness, to spread love and happiness this season, and, most crucially, to help improve the living conditions of a household or two. Donations toward this cause can be made through Mobile Money or Airtel Money transfers by dialing *182*8*1*501173*…or through account numbers 20001081012 (I&M Bank) or 100072686599 (BK). International transfers can also be made via mobile number +250791501173. There is no better way to show gratitude and give back to society this season. Yes, as we continue to exchange gifts and good wishes with family and friends, we can also put a smile on the face of someone else less privileged somewhere in Rwanda, whether through the ‘Cana Challenge’ or other similar initiatives. Or by extending a helping hand to someone else in your community. It could go a long way in reassuring and inspiring someone during these difficult times. Happy festive season to you all!
