As government continues to work towards poverty eradication, Benishyaka, an association that supports widows and orphans, yesterday launched an action plan to economically empower its beneficiaries.

During the launch of the 2010-2014 strategic plan at the organisation’s headquarters in Remera, the president of Benishyaka, Joyce Mbabazi Karamba, highlighted that 5,000 vulnerable orphaned youth and widows will be uplifted from poverty under this programme.

"We intend to improve household food security and income by strengthening the capacity of the beneficiaries to engage in production, enhance their entrepreneurial capacities and train them on better business management skills.”

"In this regard, the association will facilitate access to appropriate technology, engage the private sector federation and ministry of commerce in a dialogue geared towards support for beneficiaries’ micro enterprises and increase both livestock and crop production, among others,” Karamba said.

She however added that the plan will also enable over 1,000 orphans to acquire education. Various interventions will also be undertaken in developing health infrastructure and prevention of diseases like HIV/Aids.

With a mission of restoring hope through empowering the vulnerable beneficiaries affected by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Benishyaka has so far enabled over 10,000 orphans to acquire education and supported over 200 widowed families.

Charlotte Karemera, a former beneficiary, now a member, attests that the organization has significantly supported her family through provision of the basic needs.

"My husband was killed in the genocide and I had lost hope. However, Benishyaka officials came in and supported all my four children from lower primary level through university. That’s why I am a proud member of such a supportive organization,” she said.

18 founders of the association were also awarded with certificates in honour of their contribution to the development of this institution.

The association that was established in 1994, has 40 members (Rwandan women), and it is supported by various donor organizations such as the Community HIV/Aids mobilization project, Global Fund for Children, and Rwanda Association of University Women, among others.

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