As the world marked International First Aid Day, the Rwanda Red Cross (CRR) emphasized its commitment to self-reliance through business investments aimed at strengthening its ability to support communities affected by disasters and other emergencies.
The organization highlighted several projects, including a hotel in Karongi District’s Bwishyura Sector with 28 rooms worth Rwf 800 million, another hotel under construction in Ngoma District, and commercial buildings at its Kigali headquarters.
Emmanuel Mazimpaka
Emmanuel Mazimpaka, Director of Communications and Humanitarian Diplomacy at CRR, said revenues from these investments directly support citizens in need.
“We help some families repair houses destroyed by storms, others receive livestock. This income allows us to respond quickly without waiting for international aid,” he explained.
While building financial independence, CRR continues to prioritize programs to mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as planting one million trees annually and training volunteers in first aid. So far, over 60,000 volunteers have received specialized first aid training out of more than 100,000 serving nationwide.
Alexia Rubuga
Alexia Rubuga, the CRR Youth Program Manager, reminded participants that the essence of first aid is “to preserve life, support recovery, prevent further complications, and ensure safe transfer to health facilities.”
Founded in 1962, the Rwanda Red Cross has been a key partner to the government in providing humanitarian support to vulnerable citizens across the country.
