At least 80 people from families categorised as ‘historically marginalised’ last week completed a nine-month training in human rights. The training took place in Kitabi Sector, Nyamagabe District in Southern Province. It was implemented by Rural Environment and Development Organisation (Redo). “By training these people, we aimed at empowering them so that they can fit in the communities where they live. They should, especially, be aware of their rights and interact freely with others,” said Damascene Gashumba, the Redo head. Gashumba said the programme is designed to enable the group look at the future with hope. “We want these people to embrace government development programmes like joining cooperatives so as to uplift their economic status,” Gashumba added. During the same event, eight couples formalised their marriages and forty children were registered. Solange Batamuliza, one of the participants, said the various training sessions she attended have enabled her family to engage in some economic activities. Batamuliza cited beekeeping among the activities which have played a great role in improving their livelihood. Redo has introduced beekeeping in 102 families as part of the economic empowerment drive for marginalised groups in the province. Nyamagabe vice mayor in charge of social affairs Emile Byiringiro commended Redo’s initiative, saying it has greatly contributed to positive change. “When people are aware of their rights, they are able to demand what they are entitled to and this is one channel through which human rights violation can easily be prevented in our society,” Byiringiro said.
