Before I left Nyarugenge, I passed by Club Rafiki to deliver donations, courtesy of Chemchem Restaurant. Donated items were copies of my booklet titled The Akagera Expedition. It is a recollection of my epic adventure in Rwanda’s only Savannah national park.
The donor is a Rwandan chain of restaurants and coffee bars. By donating books showcasing the beauty of Rwanda, Chemchem is contributing to the promotion of tourism while cultivating the culture of reading.
Club Rafiki was built by the Dominican Fathers in 1974. Ever since, its doors have always been open, giving the youth free access to sports facilities and a library. In addition, the club nurtures innovation and creates awareness on drug abuse, among other things.
As the saying goes, reading is to the mind what exercising is to the body. Participating in sporting activities and reading books are vital in physical and cognitive development. The center’s impact in fostering healthy lifestyles and constructive hobbies is undeniable.
Club Rafiki is one of thirty-two centers recognized by the National Youth Council (NYC) as youth friendly. Scattered across the country, the said centers are strategically located to ease the process of youth mobilization.
Their coordinators play a big role in identifying and developing talent. Through this growing network of youth centers, the infrastructure for the promotion of sports, public health, entrepreneurship, ICT, literacy, culture and civic education is built.
While at Club Rafiki, I read excerpts from the donated publication with my little marafiki and answered a wide range of questions about the Akagera National Park and other tourist attractions in Rwanda.
