From despair to hope; a journey of transformation

Felix Uzabintwali finds it hard to believe he is a second year civil engineering student at Kabale University, in Uganda. Having been homeless and with no hope in life at one point, he had given up on schooling.Born in Huye district, Sothern Province, Uzabintwali`s life changed for the worst in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He lost all members of his family during.“When I realized that I remained with no family member, I thought life had come to an end,” say Uzabintwali. He adds that, “I was only brought up by a Good Samaritan who was also in a poor financial state but willing and he decided to take care of me despite having other three children.”Uzabintwali says that in addition to being cared for, he was also given a chance to have an education.“I went to Ecole primary school in Kiberize in Gisagara district and in 2004, I was among the lucky one`s Rwanda Red Cross (RRC) gave sponsorship for secondary education. Later I joined Eto Kibungo where I did a diploma in construction works,” recounts Uzabintwali.After completing his diploma, he started getting part time jobs something that has helped him start his own life.“When I started getting some money, I decided to also help one of the children of the family that brought me up through paying school fees and other scholastic materials.” It took Uzabintwali about three years to independently settle as well as raising enough money to join Kabale University.Says Uzabintwali: “Just like any other person who has had such a life experience, it is exciting that I am at the university. Although it is not an assurance that I will have a good job, I have the hope unlike before.” The 24 year old downplays his modest achievements attributing whatever has come his way to the family that raised him and RRC.“Yes, I have been committed to success, but there was no way I would have made it to this level without being sponsored especially for my secondary education,” notes the genocide survivor.He further explains that there are very many children and other people in need of such support calling upon development partners to give a supporting hand to those in need.The president of RRC, Dr. Bernard Nzigiye, tells The Sunday Times that the support is extended to children identified to be the most vulnerable in the community.“We work with local authorities and community members to get the right beneficiaries of this programme but the funds available also dictate how many children or students can be supported each year,” explains Nzigiye. He further says that RRC is now focused on building capacity for community members or the young generation so that they can by themselves solve problems around them.“When people are capable of solving their own problems, it means they are in position to even help or support others, therefore, this is to reduce the burden of dependence amongst the population.” Nzigiye adds that it is in the line with this that his organization has embarked on many other programmes aimed at equipping or providing skills.“Giving support in terms of property is important, but it is important to note that skills development is a long or life time support,” he says.Among other programmes, RRC has launched an HIV/Aids fight through sensitization campaigns to create awareness of the pandemic.“Although we shall operate from urban centers, I believe people in rural areas have not heard enough information about this disease and through our volunteers, we shall focus on preventive measures and encouraging those with the virus to seek early treatment,” says Nzigiye