Despite the many achievements registered over the past two decades, Rwandans ought to help survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi beat the poverty trap, the Minister for Public Service and Labour, Anastase Murekezi, has said.

Murekezi was speaking in Nyanza District on Tuesday afternoon while delivering cash and foodstuff to Genocide survivors in Nyabisindu cell, Busasamana Sector.

The donation included about 580 kilogrammes of rice handed over to 13 vulnerable families and Rwf8.5 million donated to an association of 33 survivors in support of  their piggery project.

The donation was raised by staff of the ministry, the Rwanda Management Institute (RMI) and the District of Nyanza.

Murekezi commended survivors "for being resilient and working hard to uplift their living conditions amid several challenges.”

He, however, said survivors still need support, both material and moral from other members of the community to help them heal the wounds caused by the Genocide.

"Lending them a helping hand is a hallmark of our unity as a community,” Murekezi said.

Murekezi urged Rwandans to work hard to overcome the challenges brought by the Genocide and further to develop their country further.

"We can not escape the difficult legacy of the the Genocide,” Murekezi said, adding that there is need for Rwandans to join hands and find solutions to their problems.

He encouraged all Rwandans to remain closer to survivors, particularly at this time of remembrance.

"Comforting survivors is our collective responsibility,” Murekezi noted.

He urged citizens to draw lessons from the country’s past and urged Genocide perpetrators to continue seeking forgiveness from those they offended.

Nyanza District mayor Abdallah Murenzin said the district will continue to support survivors in their quest to better their livelihoods.