DStv Rwanda, the pay-tv provider and Tele 10, paid tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in a commemoration event held at Kigali Genocide Memorial on Tuesday, June 27, furthering their initiative to extend support and aid to Genocide survivors.
Walking through the exhibition, the group observed the chronology of events that led to social-political factors that fueled the genocide against the Tutsi.
Members of the group with diverse backgrounds were particularly engaged, as they were able to witness firsthand the consequences of hatred, intolerance, and ethnic divisions, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of promoting peace, unity, and reconciliation.
The delegation also laid wreaths at the mass grave at the memorial where over 250,000 Genocide victims are buried.
Eugène Nyagahene, the founder of Tele 10 Group said that "the initiative aimed to engage particularly young people as commemorations often serve as a way to remember the atrocities and ensure that the lessons learned are not forgotten."
"By witnessing the consequences of hate, division, and unchecked prejudice, the hope is that they will be motivated to actively promote unity, respect, and the importance of human rights.”
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The initiative took an awe-inspiring turn when there was a special moment to visit two of the survivors’ homes, exemplifying the two influential entities&039; commitment to positively impacting the lives of the affected individuals.
In a remarkable display of compassion and solidarity, the companies donated support to Venancie Uwamurera and Célestin Karangwa, Genocide survivors living in Rubomborana village in Ntarama sector, Bugesera district.
Donation’s packages included an assortment of food items and other home essentials. These came after the two families’ houses were renovated to a standard level during this year's commemoration period.
Karangwa who was given a water tank and had his entire house renovated said "The move is not just physical transformation but also represents new hope and a fresh start although I am aged.”
Uwamurera who lost four children during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi echoed a similar sentiment revealing that the organizations renovated the house and gave her a water tank where she can now access clean water unlike before.
Equally, the act of kindness reached Jean de Dieu Sengiyumva, Uwamurera’s son who had always dreamed of owning his own barbershop; however, due to financial constraints, the dream seemed unstable not until DStv Rwanda changed everything just two months ago.
"This barbershop will provide me an opportunity for personal growth and financial stability which will enable me to support my mother and pursue my dream further,” he said.
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Considering all these acts of kindness and support, the survivors’ emotional responses were one of overwhelming gratitude, hope and renewed faith in humanity.
Augustin Muhirwa, the Managing Director of Tele10/DStv Rwanda said "the initiative is part of our responsibilities arguing that, giving back to communities especially Genocide survivors foster solace and empathy since they had been living in challenging conditions.”
"This act of kindness not only provides shelter but also symbolizes hope and healing for the survivors, the wider community, and this will not be short-lived.”
"We are planning to conduct more activities aimed at scaling up the standards of living not only to residents of Bugesera district but also other parts of the country,” he added.
Through their collaboration, they have inspired other organizations and individuals to come forward and contribute to the healing and empowerment of Genocide survivors.