PHOTOS: Unity Club shares Christmas with elderly genocide survivors

Members of Unity Club Intwararumuri on Thursday, December 18 joined elderly survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, known as Intwaza, for a festive season celebration at the Impinganzima Home in Nyanza District. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Unity Club shares Christmas with Intwaza in Bugesera The event brought together Unity Club members and 58 elderly residents of the Impinganzima home to share Christmas and New Year cheers. The celebration is part of the club’s tradition of standing with genocide survivors during the festive period. Established in 2015, Impinganzima home currently accommodates six elderly men and 52 elderly women, providing them with care, companionship and a sense of belonging within the wider community. ALSO READ: Unity Club’s annual forum to spotlight “Ndi Umunyarwanda” as key to unity Senate Vice President Solina Nyirahabimana, who represented the First Lady Jeannette Kagame, the Chairperson of Unity Club Intwararumuri, talke about importance of sharing the festive season with Intwaza, especially where families may no longer be present. “On behalf of the Chairperson, Jeannette Kagame, and the entire Unity Club, we are here for our annual visit to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” Nyirahabimana said. “We come as your children and your family, bringing these gifts as a symbol of our unwavering commitment to unity, resilience and shared humanity.” “This is our yearly commitment, and we are honoured and proud to fulfil it because it aligns with our core vision of strengthening unity and resilience among Rwandans.” She added that the gesture also reflects gratitude to a government that chose a different path after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, one that not only saved lives but acted swiftly to restore hope and dignity, ensuring that survivors could embrace life again and feel the care of their country. “These elders played a critical role in raising genocide orphans who were left without relatives. They became parents at a time when they themselves were still struggling to rebuild their lives and regain hope,” Nyirahabimana noted. ALSO READ: Unity, reconciliation rise to 95 percent: new report She said it is always a source of pride to witness the unity between the residents and their neighbours. “Each time we visit and find you living in such harmony with your neighbours, it reassures us that unity and resilience are alive in our country. This is the greatest heritage we must preserve and pass on. Nyirahabimana further noted that as the year draws to a close, Unity Club Intwararumuri is proud of the work done by various institutions caring for the health and well-being of genocide survivors, including Intwaza, particularly the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE). “We ask you to keep prioritising their health and well-being so that the Impinganzima home remains a lasting solution for its residents,” she said. “Continue to be a source of comfort, a model of integrity, and a reminder that unity is the remedy to the painful history we have endured.” ALSO READ: ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ is the bond we share, the legacy we leave, says First Lady Speaking during the event, Theoneste Rutayisire, the Executive Director for Research and Policy Development at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), commended the residents for their resilience and determination to embrace life despite their painful past. “After everything they endured, these elders chose to live on with courage and dignity,” Rutayisire said. “Their daily activities ranging from household chores to crafts and other productive engagements help keep them active, connected and hopeful.” Rutayisire added that the residents of the Impinganzima Home are active contributors to community development. “They participate in community work, working closely with neighbours and even support school feeding programmes,” he said. “They are not isolated, they are citizens who fully belong to and contribute to their community.” Speaking on behalf of Intwaza, Eugenie Karekezi expressed gratitude for the visit and praised the country’s leadership for ensuring their well-being. “There has been a saying that no one lives for 100 years, but for us, we believe we will surpass that,” she said. “We owe this to the good governance of our country. The care we receive is reflected in our health and physical appearance.” Nyanza District Mayor Patrick Kajyambere commended Rwanda’s inclusive leadership for prioritising the welfare of elderly genocide survivors, noting that Intwaza have become a blessing to the local community. “They actively participate in development initiatives and set strong moral examples,” Kajyambere said. “Their presence reinforces the values that define Rwanda today.”

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PHOTOS: Unity Club shares Christmas with elderly genocide survivors