NGO reaches out to Genocide survivors

Members of the Association for Research and Assistance Mission for Africa (ARAMA) Thursday visited and gave support to communities in the Eastern Province who were physically affected during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Among those visited were people living with disabilities in Mugesera Sector of Ngoma District. During the visit, they also donated food and goats ARAMA runs a rehabilitation service center that gives support, including medical attention to victims of torture, rape and gender-based violence during the Genocide. Charles Gasamagera, one of the disabled beneficiaries, welcomed the support saying it would help them fight poverty. “I am grateful that I was among those who received support but most importantly, I commend the initiatives of giving us support that will enable us work and transform our lives like engaging in farming and animal husbandry,” he said. He also appreciated the financial support that ARAMA had channeled to survivors for treatment to cure wounds sustained during the Genocide. The Executive Director of ARAMA, Jules Gahamanyi, promised more support to the poorest survivors. “As we mark the 20th year since the Genocide, we also need to look back and see what we have managed to do in bringing back those who were affected to normal life; It is the reason we believe it should be everyone’s responsibility to support survivors,” he said. He noted that although a lot has been done, a lot more was needed to uplift survivors, especially those in rural areas.