Senators donate to Genocide survivors

HUYE–Bernadette Akimana, 57, along with a group of other women chanted and danced frenziedly to demonstrate her delight after she received a cow.Akimana is among ten vulnerable Genocide survivors in Simbi Sector, Huye District who benefited from a donation of cattle, courtesy of Senate members, as a way of uplifting their livelihood.“I am so happy because I will now be able to drink milk as I wish,” she ecstatically said.“I could not afford a cow. Today, my dreams have become true.”The woman, who survived the Genocide together with her three children, told The New Times she has been poverty-laden for long.“Recently, I got a house from the Government and now I have got a cow. Why shouldn’t I be happy? I can now see that there are people ready to support us towards a better life.”“Thanks for your support. I will take care of this cow and I promise to donate the first calf to another needy person,” she pledged.Speaking during the event, last Friday, the Vice President of the Senate, Jeanne d’Arc Gakuba, said the donation is part of efforts to support vulnerable Genocide survivors and improve their wellbeing. She noted that the donation coincides with the three-month Genocide commemoration period to show their commitment towards supporting survivors.Gakuba disclosed that another ten cows would soon be donated to other needy survivors in Simbi sector, to take the total number of beneficiaries to 20.“We are looking into ways of solving our problems on our own. Our economy has suffered a lot from the Genocide while people’s lives have been ruined but still we can find solutions to our problems,” she said.“With this donation, we want to show our commitment towards supporting Genocide survivors”.Earlier that day, Gakuba and seven other accompanying senators visited Simbi memorial site to pay their respects to over 20,000 genocide victims buried there.The group was joined by local leaders and area residents in laying wreaths on their graves.“As we commemorate the Genocide for the 18th time, it is time that we keep strengthening the ‘Never Again’ pledge so that the horrors we lived with never happen anymore.“Remembering the Genocide requires us to take measures to fight divisionism, racism and Genocide ideology”.The senators also joined local residents in laying the foundation stone to construct a house to accomodate a local needy family.

National

Senators donate to Genocide survivors