During the holy month of Ramadan, vulnerable Muslim families in Rubavu District are experiencing renewed hope as staff and volunteers from the Abdallah Kiromba Foundation (AKF) deliver food packages directly to their homes and and clothing gifts to orphans.
The initiative, carried out in partnership with the Zakat Foundation of America, aims to support families who may struggle to prepare meals for Iftar and clothing for orphans during the sacred season.
For Mariam Mukarugwiza, an elderly resident of Rebero Village in Gikombe, the visit from volunteers was both unexpected and deeply meaningful.
“The holy month of Ramadan is very important to me and my family, and we always celebrate it,” she says. “During this time we fast and renew our faith while remembering the Prophet Mohammed.”
Mukarugwiza explains that Ramadan often requires patience and endurance, especially for families with limited means.
“When we are able to get something, we thank God and break our fast,” she adds. “We are very grateful for the food they have given us, and we pray that God blesses them so they can continue helping others.”
Despite her advanced age, Mukarugwiza continues to care for her son, the youngest of her five children. He is currently ill and unable to work, leaving the family dependent on small acts of support from the community.
For Hamisa Nyiraperezida, a mother of four and widow, the support from the foundation has brought relief and joy to her household. Her husband died when her eldest daughter—now 20—was only eight years old, while the youngest was just five months old.
Today, Hamisa works casual jobs in Gisenyi town to support her family. One of her children is among those whose education has been supported by the foundation.
Hamisa Nyiraperezida with her youngest son Rahim
“I am very grateful for the gifts from the Abdallah Kiromba Foundation,” she says. “They support my son’s education, and this Ramadan they gave him clothes so he can celebrate Eid like other children.”
She explains that such gestures mean a lot for families struggling to make ends meet.
“When children receive these gifts, they feel happy and can celebrate Ramadan with others. We pray that Allah rewards those who helped us.”
Hamisa’s son Iyakoze Iyan Rahim, now in Primary Five received the clothing gifts. A passionate football lover, Rahim could hardly hide his excitement.
“I am very happy for the gifts,” he says. “I have started fasting and I pray five times a day during Ramadan.”
Rahim says he hopes to grow into a responsible adult who also helps others in need.
“I will pray for the people who gave me these gifts, and when I grow up I want to help others too.”
For Nasimu Tuyisenge, an orphan and high school student supported by the foundation, Ramadan is a time for reflection, faith, and compassion.
Nasimu Tuyisenge receiving Ramadan gifts from AKF
“Ramadan is a special time to be close to God and to help others,” she says. “We fast because it is one of the pillars of Islam.”
Tuyisenge says the gift of new clothes meant a lot to her.
“Sometimes children who don’t have something new to wear may feel uncomfortable celebrating Eid,” she explains. “I am very happy and grateful because now I can celebrate like other children.”
Akram Uwimpuhwe, a student at ETAG School in Rubavu studying automobile technology, also received support this Ramadan. Orphaned at a young age, he dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer.
“Ramadan means a lot to me,” he says. “It is a time to fast, avoid bad deeds, and become closer to God.”
Akram reflects on the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed, emphasizing the importance of helping others.
“The Prophet taught us that if you have little, you can seek help from others, and when you can, you should also help those in need,” he says. “The gifts we received today remind me that people care about each other and follow these teachings of love and solidarity.”
For many families across Rubavu, the visits by volunteers have done more than provide food and clothing. They have reinforced the spirit of generosity and unity that defines Ramadan.
Through acts of kindness and community support, families are able to observe the holy month with dignity, hope, and renewed faith.
