Members of Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) women and youth leagues in Northern Province over the weekend unveiled a month-long initiative to support vulnerable survivors of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi from across the province.
The initiative was launched in Muko Sector from Gicumbi Sector where 25 survivors were given Rwf 1,026,000 worth support that includes relief foodstuff, house equipment, clothes and community-based health insurance premiums among others.
The initiative, according to the cadres was unveiled to ensure an inclusive development among the residents by notably comforting disadvantaged genocide survivors as the country is in the 100-day-long period meant to commemorate the genocide.
"Both the leagues (women and youth) came up with an idea to support vulnerable genocide survivors to ensure we play our part in fostering citizen welfare as RPF always strives to never leave anyone behind in the country’s development journey,” noted Leonie Mujawayezu, the women’ league chairperson
Adding, "We just need to let genocide survivors know that they are in a well-governed country that always cares on them, we are doing so as we are also gearing up for the liberation celebrations,”
Survivors buoyant
Genocide survivors from Gicumbi District commended RPF and the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) who came to their rescue during the genocide and successfully stopped the genocide that claimed the lives of over a million victims.
"Life was harsh after I survived the genocide with only three children but RPF and more importantly President Kagame were always there for me; they initially built a decent house for me, gave me a cattle and guaranteed my safety over the last twenty-five years,” noted Maria Nyaramatabaro, one of the beneficiaries
"RPF to me is the life as they came to our rescue, besides that they always strive to boost our wellbeing and that’s the main reason I am forevermore grateful to them, this support that I am now given will help me live a self-reliant life,” she added
Elizabeth Mujawamariya, the Gicumbi District vice mayor for social affairs welcomed the contribution by RPF-Inkotanyi towards ensuring inclusive development and socio-welfare amongst the residents.
"We have been extolled by RPF support to vulnerable genocide survivors as the gesture itself restores the hope of the beneficiaries (…) genocide survivors should never lose hope, they should rather strive for life as the country is always there for them,” she said
Mujawamariya went on to urged genocide survivors and the general public at large to sustain the gains that the country has made in the last 25 under the leadership of RPF which is an "engine of the government”.