The historically marginalised thrive in Burera District

FAMILIES categorised as historically marginalised groups in Burera District say they have gradually been able to improve their lives with support from government development programmes.Zéphyrin Kalimba, the Head of the Rwandan Association for Marginalised People/Pygmies (COPORWA), says active involvement in income generating projects by members of these groups has greatly empowered them economically.“Initially most of us never owned land and farming was a farfetched dream. Unlike today, our people depended on begging and survival was through working for others,” Kalimba said.He explained that complaints where some residents still refer to them as Abatwa, an ethnically biased remark which they consider an insult, no longer exist.“The government campaign of discouraging such ethnically-driven remarks has greatly been a source of inspiration for us to work hard and become better people,” he said.Everiste Twishime is a member of this group. His extended family consists of the 42 that live in Nyamicucu, a settlement village constructed with support from Partners In Health (PIH) one year ago.“We were initially leading a very deplorable life but now we are settled in these new modern houses,” he said.During a humanitarian support programme on Thursday, Twishime became a beneficiary of 10 cows (worth Rwf3.5 million) donated to vulnerable families by PIH.In his remarks, Emmanuel Kamanzi, the PIH Project Manager, said that his institution would always support the country’s strong vision for its people and development of the nation.Flora Uwambajemariya, the district Vice Mayor in charge of Social affairs, pledged collaboration and strong support in bringing about sustainable development.Partners In Health translates works in partnership with the Rwandan Government that strengthen and transform the public health system in these three rural districts.The project serves a catchment area of 800,000 people, covering three district hospitals and 37 health centres.One of its major achievements is the funding and Construction of Butaro hospital which hosts a Cancer Centre of Excellence.

National

The historically marginalised thrive in Burera District