Genocide survivors in Gacurabwenge sector, Kamonyi District on Friday received a Rwf5million grant from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (Minecofin).

The beneficiaries, under their 49-member Imararungu Co-operative, will use the money to rebuild their lives, according to officials.

Cyrille Hategekimana, the director of government portfolio management at Minecofin, said that it was their obligation to come to the help of victims of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, including those who had been orphaned.

"It is in our spirit to reach out to disadvantaged families; in 2011 we gave out about 10 cows to the same cooperative,” he said.

Noel Ndayambaje the president of the co-operative said they would use the money to start an events management company.

"We shall buy tents, chairs, sound system and other accessories in that line, we believe the revenue gathered here will help us venture into other enterprises in future.”

He also expressed hope that the proceeds would help pay school fees for some members have not yet completed their studies. He promised to be transparent in the use of the money. "Our sector experienced one of the worst [incidents during the] genocide with over 35,000 people killed here,” he noted.

Pacifique Murenzi, the president of Ibuka, the umbrella association of Genocide survivors, in the district lauded Minecofin and urged them to keep up the spirit.

He also called upon beneficiaries to use the money efficiently.