Genocide survivors have announced plans to reach out to those that rescued them in 1994, ahead of the 21st anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

This was disclosed at an event organised by the Association of Student Survivors (AERG) and former members who have since graduated (GAERG), in Cyanika Sector, Nyamagabe District, yesterday. The youth gave cows to those that worked hard to rescue Tutsi.

The event is part of the month-long activities by the two organisations, which will end on April 4, just days before the commemoration activities kick off on April 7.

Charles Habonimana, the president of GAERG, said the commemoration this year stands out, particularly for the youth.

He said those who survived did not do so because of their bravery, but through the outstanding courage of the RPF/Inkotanyi troops and other Rwandans.

"None would say that they survived because they knew how to hide because all our hideout places were already known. But there are many who put their own lives on the line while others paid the ultimate price to save us,” he said.

He also commended those that were not being hunted but went out of their way to save the Tutsi. AERG and GAERG members said such valiant people will receive a cow each, a reward they have named Inka y’Ineza (the cow of kindness).

They said, this week, they will recognise Stany de Jamblinne, a 95-year-old Catholic priest at Saint Paul in Kigali, for his courage in saving the Tutsi. The priest will be honoured for saving Tutsi in Cyanika Sector during the 1963 pogroms, they said.

A joint project between AERG, GAERG and Nyamagabe District will see the renovation of three houses of Genocide survivors in Munyinya village that are expected to be complete before the end of the commemoration period.

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