Many survivors of the1994 genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi lost family members and close relatives, leaving them in lonely and destitute lives. Antoine Ntagabwira, aged 50 years, is among thousands of genocide survivors whose entire families were annihilated during the genocide. Ntagabwira did not only lose his wife and only child but also had his house burnt down. With no means to build himself another house, he had been living in a run-down house until KPMG Rwanda stepped in and renovated it.
Caption: Group picture of KPMG Kigali staff during the hand over
Many survivors of the1994 genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi lost family members and close relatives, leaving them in lonely and destitute lives. Antoine Ntagabwira, aged 50 years, is among thousands of genocide survivors whose entire families were annihilated during the genocide. Ntagabwira did not only lose his wife and only child but also had his house burnt down. With no means to build himself another house, he had been living in a run-down house until KPMG Rwanda stepped in and renovated it.
Over the years, KPMG Rwanda has been involved in social activities to assist vulnerable people in the community to live better lives. When the KPMG Rwanda staff visited Ntagabwira, in Muyombo Kabuga, to hand over the newly refurbished house, his joy could not be hidden. In addition, the KPMG staff also donated beddings and furniture.
"Ever since I lost my wife and child in the genocide, I have lived a hopeless life. I became lonely and desperate, mostly because I was afraid to socialise with others. I felt inferior because of the poverty I lived in. Thanks to KPMG renovating my house, I will now be able to walk with my head held high. I now feel good that I will be living in a decent house. I am very happy,” he appreciates.
Angelo Musinguzi, Tax Manager in KPMG, while representing the KPMG Rwanda Country Director at the handover, noted that it was among KPMG’s values to assist the most vulnerable people in communities where they work.
"It is more than a desire to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in the Rwandan society. As one of our values states, we are indeed committed to our communities. KPMG believes that everybody should play an active role in building our communities,”said Angelo.
Muyombo Cell leader, Vedaste Ndayambaje expressed his delight and gratitude over the initiative."It is a sign of development when such genocide survivors who had lost hope of ever living happily are supported by private sector players. Our ability to lift each other up demonstrates the spirit of patriotism that Rwandans have,” he said.