The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi took everything that Tharcisse Nyirinkindi had in life; relatives, neighbours, friends and property.

Of the over 100 close relatives that Nyirinkindi had before the Genocide, including his wife, eight children and six grand-children, he is the only survivor. Others perished in the bloodbath that lasted 100 days.

Yet the many problems the Genocide left in its wake made Nyirinkindi regret why he survived. For him, life after the tragedy was unbearable.

"Life was meaningless after the Genocide and the future looked bleak,” Nyirinkindi, 82, says.

Defying the odds

Despite the challenges, Nyirinkindi decided to put the past behind him and face the future with courage. He made efforts to heal the wounds left by the slaughter of his family members and friends.

With government and other well-wishers’ moral and financial support, Nyirinkindi was able to pick up the broken pieces and gradually, he regained hope for a brighter future.

There are about 600 million old people aged 60 and above the world over, and this number is expected to double by 2025 and to reach two billion by 2050, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Many of the elderly face serious socio-economic challenges, especially those who live a lonely life.

Nyirinkindi currently lives in the rural Mukura Sector in Huye District, surviving on handouts from well-wishers as well as support from the government.

"Had it not been for the government and community support, I wouldn’t have been able to recover from the trauma caused by the Genocide,” he says.

Following the Genocide, Nyirinkindi served his community mainly by volunteering in the semi-traditional Gacaca courts that tried thousands of Genocide suspects.

He also says his kind heart endeared him to many in his community, especially children who refer to him as ‘grandpa’.

"That has put me once again closer to people within my community and earned me sympathy, support and respect,” Nyirinkindi says.

For his household chores, including fetching water, collecting firewood and cooking, among others, Nyirinkindi says he relies on neighbours and children in his village who usually volunteer to help him.

"They are now my family,” he says.

He also uses donations from well-wishers to pay casual workers who work on his plantations.

"I know I have to sustain my life but lack the physical strength to do so. So I rely on small donations that I get,” he says.

"Somehow, I am able to put food on the table,” he adds.

Advice

Nyirinkindi says he has learnt so many lessons in life, including being positive, hardwork, saving, and good neighbouriness.

"I have learnt so many lessons that have guided me throughout my life’s journey,” the old man says.

He advises Rwandans to always draw lessons from their lives.

To the youth, Nyirinkindi says they should learn to respect their parents and other members of the community.

He also advises parents to educate their children and nurture them in a good way.

"Parents should make sure their lives reflect what they want their children to become in the future,” the old man says.

Jp.bucyensenge@newtimes.co.rw