Speaking to the young Rwandans, the Prime Minister said that the Government of Rwanda recognises their efforts in building a better future for themselves and their country.
“The act of uniting yourselves, as young survivors, has shown all Rwandans that you are resilient people with a vision for a better future. The resilience you showed to overcome challenges you faced during and after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi has complemented the government’s efforts towards rebuilding the nation,” he said.
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| Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Anastase Murekezi |
Young survivor representatives, including Jean de Dieu Milindi (AERG Coordinator) and Charles Habonimana (GAERG President), thanked the government for the support given to them and elderly survivors. They also thanked those who stood against genocide by hiding and rescuing people as well as the brave liberation fighters of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA).
“We admire the resilience of RPA soldiers who saved us from the hands of genocide perpetrators. As we grow up, we have to thank those who stood against genocide, including those who hid us knowing that they were risking their lives,” said Milindi.
“We recognise the widows and widowers who took us in and raised us when we did not have our own parents to take care of us. The time came and we left them to go to school. As we finish school, we need to come back to them and support them,” added Charles Habonimana.
During the closing ceremony, the young survivors were given 54 cows given by Nyagatare farmers, private companies and other individuals. The cows will be cared for at the 130 hectare AERG/GAERG farm donated to survivors by President Kagame. The farm has cows, goats and banana plantations.
AERG/GAERG week began in March and activities have been held across the country over the last month. They took place in the east at Rukumberi, Bisesero in the west, Rulindo in the north and Cyanika in the south of Rwanda. The activities consisted of cleaning memorials, thanking those who stood against genocide, planting trees, constructing kitchen gardens and collecting the names of families completely wiped out in the genocide.
The activities were held in the lead up to the start of the 21st Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi which begins on 7 April 2015. Click here to learn more about Kwibuka21.
Source by http://www.kwibuka.rw
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