Editor,

I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Avega -Agahozo, an association of Genocide widows. For the last fifteen years, they have instilled hope into the lives of genocide survivors, orphans and child headed families.

I also congratulate them on the Guardian International Development Achievement Award by the Guardian Newspaper in United Kingdom for their exceptional impact on changing the lives of vulnerable people.

The projects set up by this association have enhanced courage and hope in women who lost their husbands and children during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Their success is also depicted in the numbers; the association which started with only 50 widows has grown to membership that’s close to 25,000 women.

I call upon all Rwandans to support Avega-Agahozo so that more women and children are empowered to positively manage their lives.

Jules Birimuyezu
Gakuriro