Cell raises over Rwfr2m for Genocide Survivors

EASTERN PROVINCE RWAMAGANA — Residents of Cyanya Cell, Kigabiro Sector in Rwamagana district, have collected over Rwf2 million from amongst themselves to support survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The money was collected this week by a committee which was set up to follow up on raising contributions to help Genocide survivors. The Chairman of the committee, Alexis Gisagara said that the donation will help them in the cell to come up with income generating projects. The idea to contribute towards supporting survivors came up during a week to commemorate the Genocide, where people were encouraged to support Genocide survivors. Residents of the cell wondered how they would be of help to survivors of their home area (cell). Public lectures were carried out during the course of the week on civic education, which prompted participants to think more about others, especially the vulnerable, in society. The lectures called on Rwandans to keep the tradition of loving their country and the nationals, being people of integrity and heroism. Consequently, residents raised above the targeted amount in cash, while many more residents pledged to pay their contribution when they get money. Collection of contributions is a continuous procedure. “Beneficiaries will be selected by residents at village level, basing on their needs. They will then be helped to start income generating projects like carrying out small scale businesses”, Gisagara noted. He added that other cases that can be considered for help are survivors who have linking houses or houses without windows. Meanwhile, residents have committed themselves to carrying out the act every year. The act will not stop residents of Cyanya cell from giving their contribution under one dollar campaign which was launched April 4 this year, to support homeless Genocide orphans. There are several categories of genocide survivors, which include: widows, elderly, orphans, child headed families and disabled ones. Ends