Gasabo-Jali: Multilines International Rwanda, DHL Global Forwarding promote environmental and nutrition sustainability in Rubingo Village

By Elias Hakizimana.

In a bid to promote environmental conservation and improve nutrition sustainability, Multilines International Rwanda, in collaboration with DHL Global Forwarding, organized a large-scale tree-planting event in Rubingo Village, Jali Sector, Gasabo District on January 29, 2025.

The initiative, which took place from 8 a.m. to noon, saw employees from both companies join local authorities and community members to plant fruit-bearing trees—including mango, orange, avocado, pawpaw, and guava. These trees are expected to not only combat deforestation but also improve the nutritional well-being of local families. 

Speaking at the event, Julie Mutoni, Managing Director of Multilines International Rwanda, emphasized the significance of corporate social responsibility in fostering sustainability. 

“As Multilines International Rwanda, we are honored to support initiatives that promote sustainability and enhance livelihoods. By planting fruit trees, we are not only contributing to environmental conservation but also addressing nutritional challenges in vulnerable communities. This collaboration demonstrates the positive impact corporate entities can have when they align their activities with national development goals,” she said. 

The initiative aligns with DHL Global Forwarding’s Go Green program, which promotes carbon emission reduction and eco-friendly logistics solutions. The tree-planting event was part of DHL’s team-building retreat in Rwanda, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. 

Elloise Naidoo, Head of Talent, Employee Engagement, and Branding at DHL Global Forwarding, reinforced the company’s commitment to giving back to communities while advocating for responsible environmental practices. 

“Through this initiative, we aim to promote sustainability—not just for the environment but also for people. These trees will provide food while helping preserve nature at the same time,” she said. 

Community impact: A step toward food security 

For many Rubingo Village residents, access to fresh fruit has been a challenge due to high market prices and limited availability. The introduction of fruit-bearing trees offers a long-term solution to food security and income generation. 

Emima Nyirabasirimu, a resident who was relocated to Rubingo after losing her home to natural disasters, welcomed the initiative with optimism. 

“We were relocated from Gasabo District, Kimihurura Sector, due to disasters. Having fruit trees planted in our homes is essential. Right now, we struggle to afford fruits because of high prices, but with these trees, we hope to harvest our own in the near future,” she shared. 

Local leaders also praised the initiative for its potential to improve both the environment and the economic well-being of residents. François Iyamuremye, Executive Secretary of Jali Sector, urged citizens to take good care of the trees to ensure they thrive. 

“This is a valuable gift to the community. We encourage everyone to nurture these trees so they can grow, bear fruit, and serve future generations,” he said. 

As part of this initiative, 300 additional fruit trees were distributed to residents of Rubingo Village, Nkusi Cell, in Jali Sector, Gasabo  District. These beneficiaries, relocated from high-risk zones across Kigali, are now establishing new lives in a government-supported model village. 

This event serves as a call to action for other corporate organizations to engage in meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects that create lasting benefits for both communities and the environment. 

As Rwanda advances its green growth and climate resilience agenda, partnerships like the one between Multilines International Rwanda and DHL Global Forwarding set a powerful example of how businesses can contribute to sustainability. The trees planted today will not only provide shade and food but also stand as a lasting symbol of environmental protection and community resilience. 

                                           

theinspirerpublications@gmail.com