Women charity reaches out to Gasabo survivors

Françoise Kampire, 46, was hounded out of her marital home by her husband’s relatives under the pretext of her being from a different ethnic background. The mother of seven says she and her children are leading a miserable life as a result. “Sometimes my children go hungry and sit for their exams at school on empty stomachs. I am worried about their academic performance. The one in Nine-Year Basic Education is often frustrated when he sees his colleagues having meals at school while he is hungry,” she said. Kampire’s family was one of the families that were this past weekend visited by Sisterhood in Christ Ministries, a local non-profit organisation, as part of their effort to put a smile on the vulnerable during the festive season. “They gave us meals and clothes. Now, I am happy that I have what to wear on Christmas and New Year,” said old Caroline Mukandoli, 56, whose husband, son and relatives were killed in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Sisterhood in Christ donated an assortment of items and medical insurance (Mutuelle de santé), worth Rwf3.4 million, to the Genocide survivors living in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District. During the event, the survivors and their guests shared a meal which many survivors here described as one of the greatest moments of their life. Married with two children, Jackie Mugabo, the Director of Sisterhood, said the support came from ordinary Rwandans, especially members of the organisation. “We first offer to survivors love and care because it comforts and soothes them,” she said. She urged all Rwandans to embrace the culture of sharing with the less previleged. Pacifique Mutaganzwa, the chairperson of the survivors in the area, said the government had demonstrated commitment to supporting the vulnerable survivors, including orphans and single parents. He cited lack of basic needs as one of the challenges they still face and called upon the public to join efforts to support the needy. Sisterhood was established in the United Kingdom in 2012 by four ladies with an aim of helping the needy in Rwanda get basic necessities, especially those in hospitals. In April 2014, the organisation started its operations in Rwanda and, so far, it has about 100 members. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Women charity reaches out to Gasabo survivors