MTN Rwanda staff have donated Rwf9 million to Genocide survivors in Tare sector, Nyamagabe District in Southern Province as part of activities to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The money, handed over to the beneficiaries on Monday, will be used to repair survivors’ houses in Maryohe village, Nyamihina cell in Tare sector.

Speaking at the event, MTN chief executive officer Bart Hofker said the telecom firm would continue supporting genocide survivors in many aspects to help them rebuild and also lead better lives.

"The MTN family joins you and other Rwandans to remember those who perished during the genocide and also support the survivors in any way, including advice or financial support… This money is not enough to meet all your daily needs, but I hope it can help in improving your livelihood,” he added.

The MTN staff also visited the Murambi Genocide Memorial, which is the resting place for over 50,000 genocide victims. Besides laying wreaths on the memorial mass grave, MTN staff also toured the Memorial Museum which covers the genocide history in the former Gikongoro region in the Nyamagabe District.

The telecom company donated Rwf2 million for the management and maintenance of the memorial.

Murambi is one of the regions in the country where horrific acts of Genocide against the Tutsi took place.

Nyamagabe District mayor Philbert Mugisha said MTN Rwanda’s staff initiative to visit genocide survivors gives them strengthen as "it shows them that they are not alone during these difficult times and gives them hope in life”.

He thanked the telecom firm’s staff for their contribution toward rehabilitation of survivors’ houses.

Simon Mutangana, a genocide survivor and one of the beneficiaries, said he lost over 100 family members and relatives during the genocide.

Mutangana thanked MTN staff for supporting the survivors, saying the donation will help improve their living standards.