Umurage Communication for Development (UmC) in collaboration with Practical Action have started awareness activities of RE4R 2 (RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR REFUGEES) in all 5-refugee camps in Rwanda, which include Kigeme, Mahama, Nyabiheke, Mugombwa, and Kiziba refugee camp.
The awareness campaign aimed to mobilize the refugees and to introduce the use of renewable energy products such use solar electricity systems, clean cooking stoves, and also other beneficial activities from the usage of solar products. (PUE).
UmC in partnership with PA, camp officials, local leaders, and the refugee leaders committee has successfully carried out a community event through the live drama performance aimed at raising awareness on the use of renewable energy products in those refugee camps.
A sketch was prepared and performed by Umurage Drama Actors expressing the introduction and role of renewable energy, promotion of gender equality, fighting against child abuse in households and domestic violence, mobilizing the youth to be creative with the renewable energy resources available to develop themselves…..
The first round of these events took place on the following dates in each particular camp: Mugongwa camp on 11 October 2023, Kigeme 12th October 2023, Nyabiheke 18th October 2023, Mahama refugee camp 19th 2023 and 25 October 2023 was Kiziba refugee camp community event.
This achievement would not have been possible without the support of local authorities, security officials, and the community as well. Another booster to the event’s success was the mobile mobilization activities (vehicle sound systems, camp radio platforms, and megaphones) done by the UmC team before the event dates which made the public aware of the event and the program in general. On the event day, in general, all events attacked more than 5000 people.
During the events remarks were shared by Practical Action representatives, MINEMA Camp leader, Refugee Committee President, and as well as the demonstration of Solar System products and Stoves by the suppliers. Solar system suppliers were represented by 2 companies which were Solektra and Belecom, and clean cooking suppliers were represented by Eco Green and MC Green.