The appreciation was made on Thursday 23rd June 2022 as the President of Rotary International, Shekhar Mehta, visited Kigali Public Library built on the funding of Rotary Club Kigali-Virunga in partnership with donors and the Government of Rwanda.

The facility was completed at a tune of Rwf4.1 billion. It has 34, 010 printed books, 613 digital books and 87 audio books.

After touring different sections of the library including seats for children, visitors using online books and conference hall among others; Shekhar Mehta thanked people behind the establishment of the library observing that it aligns with the objectives of Rotary to strive for happiness among communities.

The Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana said that the library provides huge contribution to Rwanda’ education.

“This library is open to everyone. Be it children from kindergarten, primary schools, university students and everyone conducting research. All of them come here to read books,” he said.

Dr. Mbarushimana has also revealed that the library has promoted the culture of reading.

The Minister of Local Government, Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi has also extolled Rotary’s daily activities and stressed need to have them extended across the country.

“The activities of Rotary are self-evident. These include support to cancer patients, patients with cardiovascular diseases, enhancing access to safe water among citizens among other projects. We want to see their impact across the country,” he noted.

Gatabazi observed that the organization’s activities align with the vision of President Paul Kagame and requested Rotary to keep up the momentum.

Rotary club is an organization purposed to bring together businesses and professionals to provide humanitarian services as well as providing support in addressing problems facing the world by combating illiteracy and poverty, contributing to the provision of safe water, enhancing economic and community development, handling disputes and fighting disease.

Rotary Club International was established 116 years ago. It is currently comprised of 1.2 million members from 200 countries.

The club has been in Rwanda for more than 20 years where it has established clubs that contributed to the country’s development in different areas.

Rotarians in Rwanda welcomed the guest in style.

It was glamour as Rotarians visited the library.

The Governor of Rotary Club District 9150, Edgard Cyr Tougouma also attended the event.

Minister Gatabazi chatting with Shekhar during the visit.

Minister Gatabazi also commended activities of Rotary.

The President of Rotary International, Shekhar Mehta toured different sections of Kigali Public Library.

The Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana said that the library provides huge contribution to Rwanda’ education.

Dr. Jean D’Amour Manirere, the Assistant District Governor in Rwanda thanked the President of Rotary International for visiting Rwanda.