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Month: June 2020

Team Member Spotlight: Fred Gatete

Posted on by RAS

COVID-19 has been a great devil to humankind. While respecting measures taken by the government to prevent it, we will continue to fight it in our homes, community, country, and the world.

When I accepted the role to go to the Center from time to time, to supervise in cleaning and bring the children food, I knew there was a risk.

I knew that I was exposing myself to contamination. It has not been easy for me or my wife.

Responsibility, sympathy, and compassion have helped me stay driven. I have a responsibility to the organization ‘Amahoro Builders’ and to the children.

I am now a bit more secure and pray to God to give me the power to overcome this fear, because he is able.

In Rwanda, we have had cases and that has not made it easy for me to go to the bank, the Center, or the market to buy food for the children.

At home I have fun with my lovely wife and during the time I am home, the feeling of hopelessness and the pain of moving around is gone.

Thank you to my wife who has kept me healthy.

About Fred

Fred was born in Uganda and grew up in Rwanda. Through Compassion International Organization, Fred was sponsored by an American couple (the Evan’s) to study high school and they continued through college. Fred graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Accounting from the University of Rwanda. During college, Fred also managed to study Theology through Joy of God Institute.

For 4 years, through Compassion International, Fred studied a servant leadership principles course called the Leadership Development Program (LDP). He also led different Student’s Associations at the university and in the Leadership Development Program. Some of his roles where being a care group leader and vice coordinator for all students sponsored by Compassion International at different universities in Rwanda (2014-2016). Fred was one of the top five Compassion’s students awarded during his LDP Graduation in 2016.

Fred joined Rising Above the Storms (RAS) Rwanda (via Peace Builders) in June 2017. He serves as an Accountant for the Center in Rwanda and Counselor for the children. He loves to serve & work with children, advocating for them and playing his part in transforming the lives of the children. He also serves as a coach for the children’s soccer team.

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Facing the coronavirus from inside the Center: Ngabo’s story

Posted on by RAS

Ngabo is one of four kids who live at the Center, and who have stayed there throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Twice a week, Fred – a counselor for Rising Above the Storms – is checking in on the kids at the Center. When asked to see how Ngabo was doing, this was his story.

“Ohoho teacher, you don’t know how hard it is with no class, no football, no group games, and then you are asked to be alone. Even though I am with others at the Center, I have to social distance myself by 2 meters and have discipline to wash my hands.

C’est dure. This is hard.

Cleaning the garden, sleeping, eating, and playing alone is becoming boring. There is hope though because I feel catered for here, but I wonder what is next? We pray to God but the fear remains. The future is uncertain.

We hope that Rwanda will not have the amount of cases like in other countries. Sometimes I wonder what would happen if one of the kids at the Center or one of our relatives were infected with the virus.

When I sleep during the day, it is very hard to sleep during night. It is hard to concentrate when I am learning and reading my notes.

I am desperate.”

Team Member Spotlight: Alice Musabimana

Posted on by RAS

Being healthy is the first human capital. There are no spare parts for the body.

The best we can do is stay together to fight the coronavirus. In the current environment we are living in, we are respecting measures taken by the government to prevent the virus from spreading. That means regularly washing your hands with soap and water, staying at home, and social distancing.

The situation terrifies me, but I also feel hopeful seeing the efforts of different governments, agencies, and individuals. There are individuals that are sacrificing their lives to find a solution to COVID-19. I am grateful to medical professionals everywhere. And to our friends in United States, I am sorry for what is happening in your country.

May God protect you and your country.

About Alice

Born and raised in Rwanda, Alice is a representative and counselor for Rising Above the Storms.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Kigali Independent University, Rwanda and a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from Annamalai University, India. Some of her field work includes research around senior living, family planning and vulnerable youth.

A true leader, her passion to help others is not new; Alice has always been a designated person to be at the helm in all projects she has been involved in from a young age. For example, in high school, she was selected as the head of her school for several years. Some of her responsibilities were to be a role model, an advocate and a voice for her school to its leadership. She enjoys responsibilities and challenges.

Alice also volunteers as the Social Affairs Person at her church. Working for RAS and with kids, especially those at-risk is truly her passion and something she is good at. Alice lives in Rwanda with her husband and infant daughter. During her free time, Alice likes to attend soccer matches, basketball tournaments, watch movies and read books.

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June 2020: An Update On The Kids Living At The Center

Posted on by RAS

On March 14, 2020 the first cases of the coronavirus were identified in Rwanda. Like many other countries across the globe, the Rwandan government put measures in place to limit the spread of virus. These measures include limiting the gathering of large groups of people and closing schools.

Following official health guidelines, Rising Above the Storms closed the center and requested that the kids stay at their family homes. The four kids who live at the center do continue to stay there and are respecting the lockdown.

All of our staff are also staying home. Yvette Uyisabye, the Office Administrator and Counselor, continues to communicate with others and manage the center online. Fred Gatete, the Accountant and Counselor, is staying near the center and continues to check in on the children who live there. He visits the center twice a week to buy food for the children and provide any basic needs.

However, these visits are about more than just grocery shopping. It’s about keeping them engaged on the latest developments.

For instance, during one of his visits Fred talked to the children about washing their hands and the importance of social distancing two meters from each other. He also tests their knowledge with questions such as, “Do you know why there is a lockdown in Rwanda?’ The kids responded with a resounding “yes” and continued by listing the symptoms of the coronavirus. These questions are also followed up with how they feel about being asked to stay at the center and not go to school.

“At the center, we continue to stay at home, regularly wash our hands with soap and water, social distance, rest, stay involved in home activities to reduce stress, revise our notes, and play individually to keep ourselves busy.”

– Fred Gatete, Accountant and Counselor

All of our employees, responsible of Amahoro Builders and active volunteers are staying connected online to stay informed about the four children at the center and the kids who are at home with their families.

So no matter where you are…

Stay home. Wash your hands reguarly. Keep social distancing. Pray. AMAHORO (be peaceful).