Representatives from IUCN, GGGI, FONERWA, UNDP, UGHE, others accept BRD’s #CanaChallenge to light homes of vulnerable families in Rwanda
Representatives from various organizations in Rwanda continue to take part in a campaign launched by the Rwanda Development Bank (BRD) which seeks to connect 10,000 homes in rural areas to solar energy.
The campaign, dubbed ‘CanaChallenge’, was launched on December 16, 2021, with the aim of lighting 10,000 homes of families in the first category of Ubudehe.
Those who immediately agreed to participate in the campaign include those whose role is obvious in environmental conservation and quality health promotion.
Why this campaign so important
Usually in rural areas many families especially poor families use kerosene lamps as a way of lighting inside their homes or other energy that can damage the respiratory system.
There are so many health risks that accompany such means of lighting among them are poisoning, fires, and explosions. As well, they can emit fine particulates, carbon monoxide, nitric oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide when burned and these by-products may reduce lung function and increase risks of asthma and cancer leading to the deterioration of life.
Experts also revealed that by going solar, you can reduce the demand for fossil fuels, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and shrink your own carbon footprint. In fact, just one home installing a solar energy system has a measurable effect on the environment.
Among those who have accepted the CanaChallenge include Prof. Agnes Binagwaho, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) which operates in Rural Butaro area in Burera District, in the Northern Province of Rwanda, Charles Karangwa, Country Representative of the International Union of Conservation of Nature, (IUCN), Maxuell Gomera, a renowned environmentalist and Head of the UNDP Rwanda, Members of the Global Green Growth Institute that works with developing countries to achieve poverty reduction and inclusive sustainable economic growth, the Rwanda Green Fund among many others.
The fact that such institutions are involved in such campaigns is of great significance because the work is aimed at not only protecting the environment and health of beneficiaries, but also supporting the Environmental friendly economic Development.
Other participants include Ange Kagame, the daughter of the President of the Republic of Rwanda, the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, Hakuziyaremye Soraya, the Governor of the Bank of Kigali, Dr Diane Karusisi and others.
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