The organisation founded by Rwandan graduates who survived the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, which is commonly known by its French acronym of GAERG has unveiled a centre to offer career guidance and counselling services.

The Aheza Healing and Career Centre was launched Sunday in Bugesera District near Ntarama Genocide Memorial site.

In addition to offering career guidance services, the centre is expected to offer counselling services to traumatised genocide survivors as well as people with mental depression.

GAERG's center was constructed in collaboration with EUCL, Bugesera District and the Ministry of Health. Kelly Rwamapera

The Rwf45 million centre was constructed in collaboration with Energy Utility Corporation Limited (EUCL), Bugesera District and the Ministry of Health.

The Minister of Health, Dr Diane Gashumba, said that the centre will be integrated into the ministry’s department of mental health.

"The ministry already has a mental health programme spread out at village levels. We need the programme to be more effective and this centre will be particularly helpful in Bugesera,” she said.

The prevalence of depression and melancholy tendencies among Rwandans stands at 35 per cent, the Minister said. Community health workers have been identified, trained and deployed to work at the centre

Richard Mutabazi, the Mayor of Bugesera District said the centre will also go a long in solving widespread domestic related wrangles in the district, which at times occur because of the lack of access to counselling services. 

"There are rampant cases of family breakups in Bugesera. One of the services we need is counselling and we’re optimistic this centre will play a big role” he said.

Egide Gatari, the President of GAERG, similar centres will be launched

"It is another step taken and our ultimate goal is to reach every district”

The launch of the centre coincided with the celebration of 15 years of the creation of GAERG.

The association is affiliated to Ibuka—the umbrella organisation of Genocide survivors associations.

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