In 2015, elderly survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi whose entire families were wiped out were brought together in Iminganzima hostels in different parts of the country. They were dubbed Intwaza wich can translate to one who perseveres. At the Impinganzima hostel in Huye District, almost a hundred of them leave there. Some of them are as old as above a hundred years old, while the relatively young are in their early sixties. They spoke to The New Times Ange Iliza they reflected on horrible experiences they have lived through, how they evolved and gave tips to young people. Azera Nyirangirumwami When the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi broke out, I was at my home with my family in Kamonyi. We had no option but leave what had been our home for over 20 years. My husband was the most amazing person I have ever known. He was killed two days after the Genocide broke out. After losing my entire family, suicidal thoughts started engulfing my mind, but I knew I would disappoint my husband if I committed suicide. I still believe his soul guides me which is why I turned out alive, strong and peaceful. I want to tell the youth today that they are living the life that Rwandans in previous eras had dreamt of; safety, prosperity and solidarity. They should not take this for granted. Phelomene Mukamurigo When the Genocide broke out, I had 6 children and my husband. They were all killed but what haunts me to date is that I never got to offer them a decent burial. All I know is that they were killed and thrown into a river that I do not even know. After losing them, my life was completely meaningless, all I cared for was gone. But the government helped me to eventually to somehow recover. I now live with others who share similar experiences and we support each other. the young people today are very lucky. They should leverage opportunities available today and make their lives better. Clever Mutarambirwa In 1989, violence against the Tutsis was escalating and I was among the most targeted in our area. So I went int exile to Tanzania and joined RPA in 1991. When I came back after the liberation struggle, my entire family was murdered by a close neighbour I considered a friend. It took me time to get over it, but I forgave and moved on. I have been living n Impinganzima hostel for three years now and I am happy I am getting old happy. For our children, youth, patriotism is what has taken Rwanda where it is today. Be patriotic, avoid divisionism and never allow anyone one to destroy what we have achieved. Agatha Mukanyemera I was at home in Gisagara when the Genocide broke out. My husband and all our five children were killed and dumped in a pit. I was depressed after losing my family, I turned to alcohol hoping to get solace, I abandoned everyone I knew, I wanted to live and die alone. But with help from the government, I recovered eventually and was brought here. I deeply thank AVEGA Agahozo, FARG and President Paul Kagame to have thought about us when none else was. I am almost 70 years old but people say I look 40. For our young people, I can only urge them to work hard to sustain what has been achieved and never take the same path that our generation took. We are all Rwandans and we are way stronger when we are working together. Adele Kangabe Until today, I do not know where my children were killed from. I heard news that my husband was thrown into a river but I am not sure. I pray and mourn them every day of my life. My life after losing them was horrible. Today I still live with bitter memories, but at least I have people to talk to and laugh with. Life is better and I am grateful. All I can tell the youth is to avoid divisionism. We can go through everything together, but if we decide to sow seeds of hatred and divide ourselves, we will create evils that did not even exist.
