NYARUGENGE - Local musicians are organising a road show and concert this Friday to create public awareness and raise funds for the One Dollar Campaign.

In conjunction with the Diaspora General Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minaffet) and members of the Rwandan Diaspora, the artists, who include gospel singers, have been holding preparatory meetings at Minaffet since Monday.

"This is the follow up on the One Dollar Campaign launch and we are now meeting the artists here, artists from different areas, gospel and others. They want to organise a One Dollar Campaign concert this Friday,” Director General of the Directorate, Robert Masozera said.

The campaign which was launched on April 4 is aimed at raising funds to  finance the establishment of accommodation facilities for the homeless orphans of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. 

Masozera noted that the artistes want to support the project – want to become the campaign’s ambassadors and all were thus considering how to make the event a success.

Diaspora head Gustave Karara was in high spirits after the preparatory session at Minaffet Wednesday.

"Seating together with the artistes and working on a project to help orphans is very pleasing. We are so happy because we see them really willing to come and participate since they are the ones who are able, and will spread the message,” Karara said.

He pointed out that they were planning to visit APACE Kabusunzu orphan school Wednesday evening, participate in an all star road show Thursday and finally, the One Dollar Campaign Concert at Petit Stade on Friday evening.

• Artists positive, devoted to orphans’ cause

Aline Gahongayire, a gospel singer and actress heads the gospel group in the campaign. 

"I am in this because we realised that artistes’ voices reach far and, as a Christian and an artiste, I am determined to give my all for this project so that those who listen to my music can contribute,” Gahongayire said.

"I feel there are lots of blessings in giving. There are many orphans and, just like me, I studied while living at APACE, whenever others left for their homes during holidays, I often felt hurt. It is very painful to see children without a place to call home.”

Intore Masamba was also full of praises.

"This is something we are all happy about and will do with a dutiful and willing heart. We have already promised to perform free of charge in all the other concerts planned for the campaign’s one hundred days,” Masamba said.

The artistes also intend to compose the campaign’s theme song.

"We want to explain to Rwandans what the One Dollar Campaign is about and it has been decided that the easiest way of teaming up and bringing many people together so that we can explain the campaign’s objective,” said Ruth Nirere, a.k.a Miss Shanel, another musician.

"Having just concluded the Genocide memorial week, this is about building our country. The One Dollar Campaign has a plan to build homes for orphans who don’t have anywhere to live.”

The campaign will run for 100 days, starting April 7 – the day when the country started commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi for the 15th time.

An account entitled the Agaseke Diaspora One Dollar Campaign, is open in Banque de Kigali (BK) and other accounts have been opened in foreign countries including Uganda, Kenya, Belgium and Sweden.

Ends