Nyagatare: Afro Ark donates food and hygiene commodities to vulnerable Teen mothers

By Elias Hakizimana.

Afro Ark, a women-led organization with the support of AHF Rwanda donated food and sanitary materials to 200 vulnerable mothers Living with HIV and with children under 5 years in Matimba and Kagitumba villages of Nyagatare district.

These commodities that include rice, maize flour, sugar, beans, cooking oil, milk, soap and salt were distributed on Monday, October 4th, 2021.

Miss IRIBAGIZA Patience, the Executive Director of Afro Ark said that the activity aims at supporting the vulnerable young mothers in this period of Covid-19 that is still tough to needy communities.

Founded in 2018, Afro Ark aims to address challenges faced by women, girls, and children in Rwanda and the rest of Africa. It is on the ground in Nyagatare district involved in HIV/AIDS response, promotion of SRHR, and in the fight against malnutrition focusing on children under 5 years of age.

Beneficiaries thanked Afro Ark for the various assistance in terms of their health and socio-economic needs, saying that the current food and hygiene commodities will help them to continue adapting to the economic impacts of Covid-19.

Leonille Ingabire, 16, one of the beneficiaries who gave birth at 15 years old said that teen mothers used to face various challenges including lack of financial capacity to buy food and sanitary materials.

“Lack of financial capacity leads to food insecurity and this affects both me and my child. Today, I am lucky to get the support thanks to Afro Ark organization to support needy teen mothers. It will help me during this period.” Ingabire said, adding that they need government support as teen mothers to return to school and help their children to study as well.

Francoise Ingabire, one of the advisors of young mothers in Urubohero Relief Program established by Afro Ark said that the program plays significant role to gather young mothers together.