It is an engagement spearheaded by female employees from I&M Bank (Rwanda Plc) who visited the Rubungo Health Centre on October 16 to support malnourished children in Kibenga cell, Ndera sector, Gasabo District.
The initiative aligns with the Bank’s commitment to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (zero hunger) and SDG 3 (good health and well-being).
Through a monthly savings programme, the all-women association empowered by the Bank has allocated resources to assist 353 children, who received immediate aid during this visit.
The event united health workers, local authorities, and community members from Ndera sector and Kibenga cell, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing malnutrition.
According to Christine Igiraneza, the president of the I&M Bank Ladies Association, after brainstorming ways to make an impact, they recognized the urgent issue of child malnutrition in Gasabo District and decided to take action.
“This is one of the programmes we implemented in order to address the pressing issue of child malnutrition in our community; however, we recognize the need for collective action, and we aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children in Gasabo district,” she said.
Igiraneza also added, “As we move forward, we are dedicated to expanding our initiatives and collaborating with local authorities to further support the country’s efforts in promoting health and well-being.”
Sister Colleta Uwamahoro, the head of Rubungo Health Centre, explained some of the causes of malnutrition in the community, adding they have been able to combat it with the help of I&M Bank and their other partners.
“One of the reasons for malnutrition is that parents often leave to seek work, which leaves them with insufficient time to care for their children. However, instability within the family can also contribute to this issue,” she said.
Uwamahoro emphasised their collaborative efforts in combating malnutrition, stating, “We teach them how to create balanced meals and promote the concept of green gardening.”
READ MORE:
https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/21005/news/featured/im-bank-rwanda-commits-to-support-over-9500-malnourished-children-by-2026 
I&M Bank, formerly Commercial Bank of Rwanda (BCR), on April 19, paid tribute to 25 former employees, who lost their lives during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
The event highlighted the role of the youth in understanding history to prevent the recurrence of past atrocities. In addition, it showcased the steadfast commitment of I&M Bank in supporting genocide survivors and their families in their relentless efforts in combating genocide ideology.
Staff members and the families of the deceased laid wreaths on a memorial monument at I&M Bank head offices in honor of the former employees who died during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Following this, the event proceeded at Kigali Genocide Memorial where I&M Bank management, general staff, and families of the genocide victims paid tribute to all genocide victims.
Bonaventure Niyibizi, the Chairman of I&M Bank, affirmed the Bank's pledge to tirelessly assist other affected families.
Addressing the survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, he conveyed a message of unwavering support and resilience, stating, "To the survivors of the Genocide, stay brave.
"We will stand by your side as closely as possible, and never surrender, for that is precisely what the perpetrators desire."
Recognizing the profound challenges of healing, he emphasized the importance of looking towards the future.
"Though the wounds may be deep, we must always cast our gaze forward, ensuring that those who possess the strength to rise continue to illuminate Rwanda's path for tomorrow.
READ MORE:
https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/16132/news/kwibuka/im-bank-honours-employees-killed-in-1994-genocide-reinforces-support-for-survivors 
Twenty-six women entrepreneurs gathered for the “She Grows with I&M Bank” workshop on August 28, a programme designed to enhance their business skills and help them expand their ventures.
Organised by I&M Bank Rwanda in partnership with Le Village de la Femme, a social enterprise focused on empowering young African women through entrepreneurship, the event was part of the bank’s ongoing efforts to support women in business.
The workshop provided training in crucial areas such as business operations, financial management, and accessing resources. Participants, all from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), learned practical skills to help them grow their businesses.
Key sessions focused on developing a growth mindset, crafting effective business strategies, and mastering bookkeeping and financial management.
The participants also gained valuable insights, including how to secure loans of Rwf350 million without collateral, and how to effectively use I&M Bank’s services to create success stories that could change their lives.
They were also introduced to the Business Model Compass, a simplified business plan that covers nine essential components, including what sets their business apart, their relationship with the community, delivery channels, and revenue streams.
Diane Niyigaba, speaking on behalf of the trainees, expressed her excitement about the knowledge gained from the training.
“We learned so much today,” she said.
Niyigaba shared that they learned how to shift their mindset, access loans without collateral, and market their products more effectively by targeting specific client segments.
“We even did assessments on paper, writing down the value we plan to offer our clients and the unique things we will do for them.
“We are very happy and thankful for this day and for including us women in this training. We learned so much that will help us grow our businesses,” she said.
Aretha Mutumwinka, Executive Director of Le Village de la Femme, emphasised the workshop’s impact on the participants, noting that it provided them with critical skills in business planning, financial literacy, and strategy development.
“Today, we focused on helping these women understand how they can expand their businesses and overcome limitations. We want them to envision a future where they can grow beyond their current boundaries,” she said.
Mutumwinka also stressed the importance of continued support, saying, “We do not just stop at the workshops. We plan to conduct advisory visits to ensure that these women are applying what they’ve learned and are on the path to sustainable growth.”
Reflecting on the programme’s future, Mutumwinka shared the goal of expanding the initiative—to reach more women across Rwanda.
“We intend to make this a multi-year partnership, extending beyond Kigali to other districts so that more women can benefit from the programme,” she explained.
Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda, expressed his gratitude to Le Village de la Femme for bringing the idea to life and noted the importance of partnerships.
“We aim to make this an annual event. Having partners like Le Village de la Femme is important, as they will provide ongoing advisory support to the trainees. We are committed to working with them,” he said.
Addressing the participants, Mutimura added, “If you have understood the training here and have the will, confidence, and clear goals, we will support you. As I&M Bank, we will stand by you. This initiative is just the beginning; we will continue to support others as well.”
Mutimura also emphasised the bank’s ambitious goal of helping two million entrepreneurs over the next three years.
“You are the first, but we will continue to support many others,” he said.
In conclusion, he stressed the importance of saving, “Work and earn, but do not spend all your money. Remember to save because there will come a time when you might not be able to work, and you will need those savings,” he advised.
By the end of the workshop, each participant received a certificate, marking their successful completion of the programme and their commitment to advancing their entrepreneurial journeys.
The staff at I&M Bank visited Kigali Genocide Memorial on June 9 to pay their respects to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
They held discussions regarding the 1994 genocide, how the country healed from it, and what lessons are learned from the country’s dark history. The commemoration ceremony kicked off at I&M Bank Head offices, where the Bank’s directors, management, and families laid wreaths beneath a tombstone with the names of the 25 employees of former BCR killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The Chief Executive Officer of I&M Bank, Robin Bairstow, acknowledged the 25 employees of former BCR that lost their lives during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and commended the efforts of the Rwandan government in rebuilding the nation.
He conveyed the Bank’s support of initiatives that foster development and commemoration.
Bairstow said: “The progress and transformation we have witnessed in Rwanda are a testament to the strong spirit of its people and their unwavering determination to create a society rooted in peace, prosperity and unity.
“We pledge our unwavering support to the government of Rwanda as they continue to shape a nation that exemplifies progress, inclusion and unity.”
Read more:
newtimes.co.rw/article/8168/news/kwibuka/im-bank-commemorates-employees-killed-during-1994-genocide 
On 20
th August 2023, I&M Bank celebrated another incredible episode of the Youth Racing Cup 2023 where the partnership with cycling Rwanda continues to pedal the dreams of young cyclists in Rwanda. The project is expected to attract more than 4,000 young cyclists by 2025 and I&M Bank has made its commitment to be part of the journey of raising new cycling stars from a very young age. The partnership matches the Bank’s ambition of supporting and contributing to the development of the youth as the future of this country and the world in general.
Read more:
newtimes.co.rw/article/10096/sports/cycling/ufitimana-ingabire-win-episode-2-of-the-youth-racing-cup-sponsored-by-im-bank 
On 21
st November, I&M Bank Rwanda partnered with United Nations Rwanda on UN Rwanda Day and took part in a special Umuganda – Tree planting in Mbyo Unity and Reconciliation Village, embracing the day with a green touch together with the vibrant local Community in Bugesera district. In the event, Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Rwanda said by planting trees, the collective intention was to symbolize growth, vitality, and rejuvenation. These represent the fundamental facets of Rwanda’s aspiration for societal renewal, community revitalization, and a brighter future.
Read More:
newtimes.co.rw/article/11752/news/featured/featured-im-bank-un-rwanda-mark-un-day-with-special-umuganda-tree-planting-in-bugesera 
