.png)
Africa Uniforms Ltd, a specialized uniforms and apparel manufacturing company under its new apparel brand “Afriwear” launched “Together We Fight COVID-19” Campaign in Rwanda. It was a joint effort through the company’s liaison with New Hope for Future, a Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to support those who are in need. The company donated a total of 14,200 barrier masks to the community in Kicukiro, Musanze, Kamonyi and Rwamagana Districts. The masks with the Rwandan colors stripe in the middle will be used to stem the spread of coronavirus during the pandemic.
The first event took place at a Modern Village of Genocide survivors as well as Groupe Scolaire School in Masaka on November 20, 2020 where 3,000 masks were donated.
Executive Secretary of Masaka Sector Mr. Alexis Segatashya thanked Africa Uniforms and NHF for their generosity. He mentioned, ‘today we have started a campaign in our sector to encourage everyone to wear masks so that we can keep fighting against the spread of COVID-19. It is with great honor to welcome and thank our friends from Africa Uniforms and NHF for their enormous support to people in the community. These masks they have donated compose of two-layers with a filter space. Tissue paper can be replaced from time to time as a filter to enhance protection.’
New Hope for Future Deputy Legal Representative, Madam Languide Nyirabahire, emphasized that these masks are washable which means they are environmental-friendly and can be re-used. She encouraged the people from the Modern Village in Iyabalaya and the students from Groupe Scolaire de Masaka to always wear masks and wash hands.
On behalf of Africa Uniforms, Mr. Long Ngan stated, ‘we are grateful to do business in Rwanda in the past decade and it is our responsibility to pay back the community. Especially during the hard times, we want to contribute and play a key role in social wellness for the people in Rwanda. This is only the first of many donations we will be organizing alongside with NHF. The masks we designed and manufactured are 100% “Made in Rwanda”. Together we can fight against COVID-19.’
Subsequently on November 30, 2020, 3,700 masks were donated to the village of Muko and Groupe Scholaire of Muko in Musanze District.
Madam Triphose Murekatete, Executive Secretary of Muko Sector, expressed her gratitude to New Hope for Future and Africa Uniforms for their donations. She said, ‘this village has so many vulnerable people who could not manage to buy even one mask. Some parents are not able to afford masks for themselves and for their kids to go to school. As you can see the masks people currently wearing are not up to standard. We are really overwhelmed to receive such donations. I also hope that you shall come to help our sector in other different aspects such as healthcare or school supplies for the students. We look forward to working with you in the future.’
Mr. Steven Ntwali from Africa Uniforms demonstrated the proper way to use the masks. He explained these masks are designed in Hong Kong and produced in Rwanda. The filter layer shall offer similar protection ability to block droplets just like a typical disposable surgical mask.
The Campaign continued in Kamonyi District and Rwamagana District through the help of District Vice Mayors who are in charge of Social Affairs. 3,000 masks and 4,500 masks were donated to each district respectively.
***
New Hope for Future is a non-profit organization with a mission to advance child rights and well-being based on safe family by providing sustainable and innovative solutions. The organization frequently works together with partners and stakeholders to help children nationwide.
