The Association of Student Survivors of the Genocide (AERG) and former students who survived the Genocide (GAERG) have embarked on preparatory activities ahead of this year’s commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The activities were launched on Saturday in Jabana Sector, Gasabo District, with cleaning of Jabana Genocide Memorial Site, construction of a house for a Genocide survivor, creating kitchen gardens and donation of cows.

The AERG national coordinator, Jean de Dieu Milindi, said the activities encourage people to do kind gestures.

"If Genocide perpetrators were compassionate, then the Genocide could not have happened. We are doing these activities out of patriotism,” Milindi said.

Karoli Habonimana, the GAERG president, said all Rwandans need to work together to build the nation.

Sature Sagahutu, a resident of Jabana, thanked the youths for helping rebuild his house.

"My dilapidated house collapsed early this year when I tried to repair it. I have been living in a house rented for us by the sector,” Sagahutu said.

"This is a kind gesture; as a beneficiary it makes me regain hope,” Sagahutu added.

Sagahutu said he has a family of six, and accommodation was a big challenge.

Raymond Chretien Mberabahizi, the Gasabo District vice-mayor in charge of finance and economic development, commended the youths for participating in the activities.

AERG-GAERG activities will continue to Gisagara, Rubavu and Nyagatare districts.

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