Rami in business of giving launches another initiative
ACTRESS and philanthropist Rami Chuene has recently launched her foundation that focuses on supporting women and children who may have cancer and HIV/Aids.
She launched the initiative in celebration of her 45th birthday.
The actress will soon be seen on BET Africa’s newest drama, Isono: The Sin, when it debuts this month.
Chuene took some time out to talk to The Star on her latest venture:
The Star (TS): Talk to us about your philanthropic journey and the work that you have done so far.
Rami Chuene (RC): I’ve always been in the business of giving; whether it be talks, food parcels, youth development, women issues, skills for life. I did a lot of that in schools, youth centres and in church.
TS: How is the Rami Chuene Foundation going to work?
RC: The foundation aims to contribute to society through assisting mainly children to get to the next level in times of immediate challenges.
We have identified three pillars of strategic intervention, offerings hampers of hope consisting of everyday necessities for hygiene, setting up a place to reprieve and psychological and mentored assistance.
TS: Why focus on HIV/Aids and cancer?
RC: HIV/Aids is just a part of it, as we focus on various things, even issues such as gender-based violence and basic everyday care that women and children need.
TS: What have the 45 years on Earth taught you about life?
RC: I don’t know what that is. I’m still 29 years old! That’s just me, but my body would tell a different story.
Over the years, I’ve learnt that you have to live fearlessly, even when you are scared.
TS: And your biggest achievement to date?
RC: Being a mother to the most amazing girls in the world.
TS: What are you most excited about with the foundation?
RC: Being able to give is such a blessing and now with the foundation, it means we can spread the net a bit wider by working and collaborating with other foundations, organisations and corporate companies.
I’m excited about the idea of the circle being bigger.
TS: The foundation is meant to protect people; their dignity and privacy. What does this mean?
RC: I appreciate people who do good in many ways, but I’ve always been uncomfortable with seeing poor or disadvantaged people in pictures posing with whatever they’ve received.
Most of those pictures become backdrops of a PR stunt.
I just think it’s okay to give without compromising the privacy of the vulnerable.