Diaspora Directorate pushes for ‘One Dollar Campaign’ success

Robert Masozera, the Director General of the Diaspora General Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minaffet) yesterday revealed that apart from the recent creation of the Diaspora Mutual Fund, efforts were now directed towards the success of the new “One Dollar Campaign “ahead of the 15th Genocide Commemoration in April. The Campaign idea was mooted during the Diaspora Meeting that convened last December. “What we are now embarking on is the mobilization process for the one dollar campaign. We will mobilize all Diaspora members for the upcoming 15th genocide commemoration so that they can contribute and pool their funds together in the campaign,” he said. Asked how this feat would be pulled off, Masozera explained that all country embassies abroad and Diaspora associations would be made use of to accomplish the mission. “We want them (Rwandan Diaspora) to open accounts in their countries of residence and then, online contributions and all other possible methods, but especially Rwandan embassies and Diaspora associations will be brought into play.” He also made it known that a website for the ‘One Dollar Campaign’ is now in the making. Further, in February, he stressed, there will be a Minaffet retreat with all Rwandan envoys in which the same issues will be dealt with to smoothen the progress of the project. “We will explain this project to them (ambassadors) so that they also help in putting it into action when they return to their stations.” The project seeks to provide shelter, especially to young Genocide survivors in schools and universities. “We want one thing that is noticeable, so that the money can build one considerable thing, for example, a home for orphans built by Diaspora money,” Masozera said, also pointing out that a Diaspora Investment conference, scheduled for some time in May or June, would target Diaspora investors. “Then, during this conference, the mutual fund and other Diaspora initiatives will come to the forefront,” he said. Ends

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Diaspora Directorate pushes for ‘One Dollar Campaign’ success