Members of the Turikumwe Family trekked the way to Gisozi Memorial Centre last Sunday in a bid to commemorate their loved ones who passed away during the 1994 genocide.

Family members said that they remember genocide victims because it happened to their loved ones, most importantly their families.

Turikumwe Family is fathered by Didier Sagashya and consists of current and former Fawe students all of whom are genocide survivors.

"He is our dad. Though the family consists of girls, we chose him as our dad because a family must have a head.

We started living as a family in 2005 by helping one another in different needs. We have parents and children within us and we’ll do all we can to provide for our children,” one of the girls said.

You can’t have a bright and promising future without hope but all will go on when the future is hopeful.

All they promise is that since they have the knowledge, courage and their hands, life will have to continue.

Most of them say they have never tasted parents’ love. But this will not stand in their way.

"We cried bitterly but we stopped because there is still hope for living. We can go to school, thanks to Fawe Rwanda who has given a big hand to us,” Aline a Fawe student said.

The Guest of Honour, Senator Aloysia Inyumba thanked Fawe Rwanda for the education they provide to these girls and asked Turikumwe Family to call upon more families to join them.

She as well thanked the members for the spirit of oneness and also promised to send the message to the First Lady.

However, they were argued to be stronger because they already have a family and parents. What is more is that they should not only ask why genocide happened but also why they survived.

 Other guests included the Fawe Rwanda coordinator, AERG National coordinator and IBUKA National Coordinator.

"Never Again” should be emphasized everywhere at all levels and we should all shout, "Urwanda ruzira genocide n’ingengabitekerezo yabyo!”

Yes, a lot was lost. But it is good that you have stood up to pick the broken pieces. All you need is to forgive those who wronged you with a firm heart, and don’t forget that God is on your side.

The author is a teacher in the Eastern Province
shebs10@yahoo.com