ORTPN donates Rwf 2m to orphanages

KIGALI - The National Office of Tourism and National Parks (OTPN) yesterday, donated Rwf 2million to the Association of Orphan Heads Of Households (AOCM) Kigali chapter. The director General of ORTPN, Chantal Rosette Rugamba said at a party to celebrate the New-Year with the orphans that the support is designed to help them cope with the daily life in education, health and income generating activities. ”Last year, our institution and other conservation partners established a genocide fund to support these children. We managed to donate 2million worth of food and 2million in cash for their income project in the Ntarama chapter,” Rugamba stressed. According to ORTPN public relations office, the money comes from the staff of ORTPN, the institution’s budget, and from conservation partners and tour operators. The AOCM association created in August 20, 2000, is made up of 2,000 members who head households of 720 families. The association is a founder-member of Ibuka, a genocide survivors’ umbrella association and a key partner of FARG. Umuhoza, one of the beneficiaries (gave one name claiming he had not yet been baptised) thanked the association for advocating for their education and all their needs. She, however, mentioned accommodation still being a big challenge. The association intervenes in education, health, income generating activities, social life and memories and testimony documentation. Speaking to The Sunday Times, AOCM president, Rogers Rwamasirabo, disclosed that the association appreciates the public and private organisations that support it. He added that his association has a challenge of utilising the support it gets from donors and managing the funds effectively. He assured the donors, to be responsible and transparent. Rugamba advised the children to be positive, honest and not to betray their families who passed away during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis. “You cannot be orphans when you have your country. I promise you we shall do all that is possible to play our part as parents,” Rugamba pledged. The challenges AOCM face includes; low financial capacity, insufficient staff, and networking. Ends