Benishyaka Association, a local NGO that focuses on improving the welfare of widows and orphans, has embarked on a fundraising drive to raise money to finance its projects.

According to Betty Gahima, the Executive Secretary of the association, they have achieved a lot and would like to build on the success registered.

"More than 10,000 orphans that we supported have completed university and are employed in various institutions,” she said, adding that should they get more funding, they would increase the number.

"We resettled 112 families in Nyagatare District and we have a number of integrated programmes being carried out there, ranging from agriculture and livestock farming…we have also constructed a health centre that is serving residents of Rukomo Sector.”

Benishyaka supports other income generating activities in various districts including Bugesera, Kirehe and Muhanga as well as in Kigali City.

Gahima, however, revealed that they are facing a challenge of meeting the needs of their beneficiaries.

"If we develop a fundraising plan and carry out fundraising activities we hope that we will manage to get funds and support these children,” she said, referring to a list of children who are need of scholarships.

Juliet Curira a resident in Bugesera District and one of the beneficiaries said that the association has helped her to raise her four children by supporting them in education.

Benishyaka Association was started in 1994 to address the socio-economic needs of the people affected by the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

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