Staff and management of AB Bank Rwanda, on Thursday, paid tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that are laid to rest at Ntarama Genocide memorial, Bugesera District.

The bank donated Rwf1 million to two cooperatives that bring together women who lost their husbands during the Genocide.

"AB Bank Rwanda remembers the victims of the brutal killing because we want to keep the flame of hope burning among Rwandans. We speak hope, determination and hard work,” Arah Sadava, the Managing Director of AB Bank Rwanda told journalists.

Sadava said the bank’s aim is to transform lives by giving financial services to the micro-enterprise sector, especially, low income groups.

"Beyond that we would really want to become part of the large community of Rwanda in everything. It is very important to support Genocide widows’ cooperatives because we would want to support women in the country and other groups as our way of transforming lives of the population,” she explained.

She said they were encouraged by the testimonies shared by the Genocide widows.

These women do not only believe in their individual development but in the country’s development.

Survivors speak

Germaine Uwimana, the chairperson for Tuzamurane cooperative which sells foodstuff in Nyamata market, said they were greatful for the support from the bank.

"We are going to expand our businesses,” she said.

Uwimana said the cooperative has a saving and credit group which helps members access credit to do or grow their business.

Seraphine Mukamusoni, the chairperson for Twisungane cooperative that grows sorghum, beans, maize and cassava, said, "With this support, we are going to sit together and think about something that we could invest in,” she said.

Gratia Mukakigeli, the president of the Association of Genocide Widows (AVEGA-Agahozo), said Genocide widows are getting old and need such support.

"Since some of them do not have energy to till land, they will be able to pay casual workers to help them in their gardens,” said Mukakigeli.

She said that Genocide widows in Bugesera actively engage in different income generating activities to be able to cater for their families.

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