Summary
The Rotary Club of Calgary West received a thank-you letter from Jean Claude Munyezamu acknowledging the club's $5,000 donation to Umoja Community Mosaic. The funding is being used to purchase additional sewing machines for the Women's Community Sewing Program, which has expanded to four locations across Calgary. The program provides women with opportunities to learn new skills, build community connections, and increase self-confidence. Rotary's support is helping Umoja continue its mission of fostering inclusion, belonging, and opportunity for newcomers and families throughout Calgary.
Rotary Support Helps Umoja Expand Opportunities for Women
The Rotary Club of Calgary West recently received a heartfelt letter of appreciation from Jean Claude Munyezamu, Founder and Executive Director of Umoja Community Mosaic, thanking the club for its $5,000 donation to support the organization's Women's Community Sewing Program.
Jean-Claude, who was a recent guest speaker at our club, has dedicated his life to building belonging and opportunity for newcomers and marginalized families in Calgary. A survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, he arrived in Canada in 1998 and later founded what began as a small neighbourhood soccer program in 2010. That grassroots initiative has since grown into Umoja Community Mosaic, a respected community organization serving thousands of children, youth, women, and families through sports, education, food security, leadership development, and community connection programs.
In his letter, Jean-Claude shared that Rotary's donation is helping Umoja purchase additional sewing machines for its Women's Community Sewing Program. The investment has already contributed to the program's expansion, with sewing sessions now operating in four locations across Calgary. These welcoming spaces provide women with opportunities to develop practical skills, build confidence, connect with others, and strengthen their sense of community.
The growth of the sewing program reflects Umoja's broader philosophy of creating opportunities that foster inclusion, self-reliance, and leadership. Through programs that focus on belonging and empowerment, Umoja helps participants develop skills and connections that strengthen both individuals and the wider community.
Rotary Club of Calgary West is proud to partner with organizations such as Umoja Community Mosaic that are making a meaningful difference in the lives of Calgarians. Jean-Claude's letter serves as a reminder that every contribution can create lasting impact, helping people build skills, confidence, and stronger community connections.
We thank Jean-Claude and the entire Umoja team for their inspiring work and look forward to seeing the continued success of the Women's Community Sewing Program in the years ahead.