Gasabo: Radisson Blu Kigali, AVEGA donate house to Genocide survivor

Radisson Blu Hotel & Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), in partnership with the Association of Genocide Widows (AVEGA Agahozo), handed over a fully furnished house to Genocide survivor Anathalie Mukantaganda, in Munyinya Cell, Muko Village, Jali Sector, Gasabo District, on June 28. Mukantaganda, a 72-year-old widow, is among the few survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi from Jali Sector. According to officials, the area took longer to be liberated by RPF-Inkotanyi due to a military base that blocked their advance from the Byumba side (now Gicumbi District). As a result, the area remained under the control of Genocide perpetrators for long, and very few Tutsi survived. Mukantaganda was among the lucky few who were rescued in Shyorongi after the arrival of Inkotanyi soldiers. After the Genocide, she relocated to Nyarugenge District. However, her love for her birthplace brought her back, though she returned with nothing to start with. She decided to sell some of her land and used the money to buy cows, which later multiplied. Unfortunately, all the cows died, one by one, for reasons she still does not understand. From that point on, life became increasingly difficult, and she lived in poor conditions. “Now, I’ve received a new house. I’m beyond excited. They promised me this last year. I’m so thankful that it didn’t take longer. I lost almost everything but not my country or the kind people who care,” she said. Mukantaganda who lives with her last-born son, now has two cows with calves provided by the Genocide Survivors Assistance Fund (FARG). She pledged to also extend kindness to others in situations similar to hers. The delegation, accompanied by local authorities, also gave her foodstuffs, water tanks, and other necessities as part of their broader Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. Their CSR also includes support for cancer patients, environmental responsibility, training, school fees, awareness campaigns, as noted by Alice Mushyitsi, the Coordinator of Responsible Business at Radisson Blu Kigali. “This is part of our broader initiative, which was conceived during Kwibuka 30. In partnership with Avega and the Gasabo District authorities, the idea was brought to life. We found her living in poor conditions. This is one of our special projects aimed at supporting vulnerable people. We also support the youth,” Mushyitsi, also Operations Executive at Radisson Blu Kigali, said. Constance Mpinganzima, the Vice President of EVEGA Agahozo, extended her gratitude to the delegation for their support beyond their usual operations, especially for joining hands with the government to care for Genocide survivors. “You can experience extreme and uncontrollable emotional damage due to trauma. Most of them suffer from it. But when someone comes to you and offers comfort like this, it helps a lot. Taking care of Genocide survivors helps them heal and gives them a sense of relief,” she said. “As they age, their energy to work decreases. This means that if they don’t work, they can’t afford basic necessities. When these necessities are lacking, it brings them back to a difficult situation and most of them can’t ask for everything they need. That is why we must take care of them on a daily basis,” she urged. François Iyamuremye, the Executive Secretary of Jali Sector, commended the project that supports the broader government policy of leaving no one behind. “We urge her to take good care of the house. We will continue to support and comfort her. We also ask those who haven’t yet received support to remain patient, as the government is working on ways to help them. It’s not too late,” he said.

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Gasabo: Radisson Blu Kigali, AVEGA donate house to Genocide survivor