Rwandan Community in Washington receives $50,000 grant from the City of Bellevue

The Rwandan Community in Washington State (RCA Seattle) has received a $50,000 grant from the City of Bellevue to support education, prevention, and connection services. The funding will specifically benefit Kinyarwanda-speaking communities and East Africans living in Washington State by providing education and resources to combat opioid abuse. The announcement was made on February 22 during RCA Seattle’s first gathering of 2025, held at the Bellevue Botanical Garden Education Center. The event highlighted the community’s achievements throughout 2024 and celebrated the grant award, marking

The Rwandan Community in Washington State (RCA Seattle) has received a $50,000 grant from the City of Bellevue to support education, prevention, and connection services. The funding will specifically benefit Kinyarwanda-speaking communities and East Africans living in Washington State by providing education and resources to combat opioid abuse. The announcement was made on February 22 during RCA Seattle’s first gathering of 2025, held at the Bellevue Botanical Garden Education Center. The event highlighted the community’s achievements throughout 2024 and celebrated the grant award, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s ongoing efforts to address substance abuse among youth and adults. Andrew Ndayambaje, President of RCA Seattle, emphasized the importance of the funding, stating that it would strengthen community initiatives to raise awareness and educate people about the dangers of opioid and drug abuse. “This funding will help us reach those in need by providing preventive education and resources for individuals affected by opioid abuse,” Ndayambaje said. Beyond the grant announcement, the event also honored Rwandan heroes who played a crucial role in the nation’s liberation and development. Attendees were encouraged to challenge misinformation about Rwanda’s involvement in regional conflicts, particularly in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The gathering featured entertainment, games, and traditional Rwandan cultural . It also included a special welcome for new community members who recently relocated to Washington State. Additionally, participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting homegrown initiatives in Rwanda, such as the Dusangire Lunch program, which aims to provide nutritious meals to all schoolchildren.