AVEGA calls for extra-care for ageing widows

Rwamagana-The Association for Genocide Widows (AVEGA-Agahozo) is appealing for extra care and support to ageing widows of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The call was made, yesterday, by Speciose Mukakibibi, the coordinator of the Association in Rwamagana District, Eastern Province. Mukakibibi said that it is increasingly becoming difficult to cater for the widows, as their demands take another dimension once they start ageing. She noted that AVEGA, and other concerned authorities should think about special homes and personnel, to help the widows complete their lives respectfully. “The youngest of the widows we look after, recently turned 70, while the oldest is now 86 years old. At this age, they need to be looked after as babies, something beyond our capacity,” Mukakibibi said. Furemina Nyiranabingwa, 81, told The New Times that she is now too old to walk without support. She said that the concern of AVEGA to help them comes at a moment when widows of her age, are almost stuck with life. Nyiranabingwa, however, thanked AVEGA and the government for the relentless support they have been giving the association’s members. “Most widows lived in a state of hopelessness until they joined AVEGA…we, however, need more care now. At my age, for example, I have become immobile and hence need help to keep living,” Nyiranabingwa said. Ends

National

AVEGA calls for extra-care for ageing widows