Rulindo: Ineza Foundation Shares Christmas Joy with Children in Shyorongi

By Elias Hakizimana.

Rulindo, December 24, 2025 — Ineza Foundation Organization on Wednesday joined children and parents in Shyorongi Sector, Rulindo District, to celebrate Christmas through shared meals, drinks and activities aimed at promoting love, learning and togetherness.

The celebration took place at Ineza Foundation’s community library in Shyorongi sector, bringing together children on school holidays, their parents, community members and local authorities.

The children received food items to share with their families and relatives during the festive season, an initiative aimed at supporting low-income households by ensuring they had meals to enjoy during the holidays; the support included rice, cooking oil, sugar, and macaroni.

According to Janvier Niyonsaba, Program Coordinator at Ineza Foundation, celebrating Christmas with children is both a religious and social opportunity.

“Christmas is a special moment for children to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who came to save the world,” Niyonsaba said. “It is also a time for children to share happiness, learn values of love and unity, and socialize with others.”

Jean Dennis Nuwayo, Director of Education in Rulindo District, who attended the celebration, commended Ineza Foundation for organizing the event and supporting children’s development.

“Christmas is mainly for children because Jesus himself was born as a child,” Nuwayo said. “Sharing Christmas with them teaches love, kindness and respect — values that Jesus brought to the world. It is also an opportunity for parents to show love to their children and for children to respect their parents.”

He cautioned that Christmas should not be reduced to excessive eating and drinking, but instead be used as a moment to nurture good morals.

“We work closely with Ineza Foundation to support children’s growth and education, especially by promoting a culture of reading,” he added. “During holidays, children should not waste time or be lured into drugs or alcohol. Parents should stay close to their children, support them in revising lessons, and create happy moments together.”

Parents whose children attend Ineza Foundation’s shyorongi community library expressed appreciation for the initiative.

Vanessa Manishimwe said the celebration brought joy to both children and parents.

“When children celebrate Christmas together, they become happy and socialize with others,” she said. “As parents, we are grateful. We wish this initiative could be expanded to reach more communities.”

Another parent, Ange Christine Niyonsaba, said she had seen positive changes in her children since joining the center.

“At first, I did not fully understand the vision of the foundation,” she said. “But now my child wakes up every morning excited to go to school. That shows the impact Ineza Foundation has on children.”

Children who attended the celebration also shared their experiences.

Milk Agasaro, a Senior Three student at Inyange Girls School of Science, said the event helped her learn important values.

“I learned to live together with others and to understand why Jesus was born,” she said. “The foundation encourages us to read, gain knowledge and connect with students from different areas.”

Another child, Ihirwe Teta Belinda Meghan, said celebrating Christmas with other children made the day special.

“We are happy to celebrate with our families, neighbors and friends,” she said. “I thank Ineza Foundation because it helps us learn about religion and to be kind, like Jesus taught us.”

Through such initiatives, Ineza Foundation continues to combine education, faith and community engagement to support children’s well-being and development in Rulindo District.

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