HUYE – As part of the activities to mark the closure of the ‘Family Week’ campaign, the Rwanda Association of Trauma Counsellors (ARCT-RUHUKA), last Saturday, donated 12 Friesian cows to three associations of vulnerable people, and those living with HIV/Aids in Karama Sector, Huye District.

The "Family Week” is a one-month campaign which aimed at raising public awareness on the need to improve family living conditions, and participate in addressing the challenges Rwandans face through commitment to family performance contracts.

Initiated for the first time, the campaign also focused on promoting family values among Rwandans.

The campaign started on September 24 and will take place annually.

During the event in Karama Sector, Huye District, three associations including Imbere Heza , Tuzamurane and Abisunganye each received three cows. The donation will also be extended to other vulnerable people in Rusatira, Mbazi and Ruhashya sectors with a total of 48 cows set to be presented to the disadvantaged in the four sectors.

"The Family Week sought to recognise the importance of the family in the life of the country and to support the most vulnerable people. In that regard, we thought of donating cows to the poor, and those infected by HIV/Aids, can contribute to that objective”, observed Judith Mukanyirigira, the Executive Secretary of ARCT-RUHUKA.

"In the Rwandan culture, a cow is a sign of wealth and solidarity. We hope this is a foundation for the beneficiaries to start a new life”, she added.

"We will get milk for ourselves and our children but, above all, we shall get manure to use in our farms. We now hope to boost our production and we are eager to see each and every one of us owning a cow”, observed Emeritha Ntawuziryayo, a beneficiary and member of Tuzamurane group operating in Muhembe Cell.

A Member of Parliament, Winifirida Niyitegeka, called on the residents to strive for their own development. He advised them to put an end to domestic violence, noting that it is one of the major causes of poverty within families.

"We want a country that is free of domestic and gender-based violence because these vices hamper development. We want to build secure families, where family members work together for collective development,” Hon Niyigeteka said.

During the ceremony, two families in Karama Sector were rewarded for living in harmony with each walking away with a Rwf250, 000 cheque.

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