Retired government employees, through their umbrella organization, have called urged the Government to increase the pension package, pointing out that what they presently receive cannot sustain them.

The call was made by Andrew Gisagara, the head of the pensioners’ association during an event organised to mark the International Day of Elderly Persons, the first such event in the country.

"We appreciate what the government has so far done especially in catering for our welfare, but there is still need to revise  the amount pensioners receive so that they can afford the cost of living,” Gisagara said.

He pointed out that currently, pensioners earn Rwf 25,000 in three months adding that with such an amount, members struggle to survive.

One of the association members, Tereza Mukande told The New Times that it is equally important for government to revise their benefits as it revisits remuneration of civil servants.

The 70-year old retired teacher who served between 1960 and 1995 pointed out that the Elderly Persons Day should reflect on the past to pave way for a brighter future for all.

"At this age, we face very complicated health problems that calls for support to access health services if we are to keep on living” Mukande said.

The event that is annually celebrated on October 1st attracted people of different age groups including the youth.

Speaking on behalf of the youth, the president of JOC Rwanda, Jean Bosco Hareremana, encouraged participants to work hard and support their parents so that they can live a life they deserve.

"It’s through our parent`s support that we are what we are and it`s now our turn to also make them feel proud of us,” Hareremana said.

The day was marked under the theme "The Growing Opportunities and Challenges of Global Aging.”

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