The Minister of Defense Gen. James Kabarebe has told association of students who survived 1994 Genocide (AERG) they were a group of heroes.
The Minister, who was officiating the association’s 15th anniversary, said that based on their goals and what they have achieved so far qualified them to be heroes among youth.
“Regardless of hard circumstances you passed through and still face challenges but you have persisted to forge for the best in life and you have championed unity and reconciliation,” Gen. Kabarebe said in his speech Sunday.
“I would like also to congratulate you for your efforts to towards the fight against Genocide deniers,” Kabarebe added.
“We encourage you to be more innovative and be job creators,” he added.
Kabarebe said that the association was formed at a time the country was facing challenges but the group persevered.
He called upon for partnerships if problems facing Genocide survivors have to be solved saying that better solutions can only be achieved through cooperate responsibility.
The association also awarded several personalities who have contributed a lot into their lives including President Paul Kagame who was given a certificate of recognition for his role in leading the Rwandan liberation war and stopping the Genocide.
The Minister of Defense Gen. James Kabarebe, received the award on behalf of the President.
Kabarebe told AERG members that President Kagame was committed to keeping assisting them in all ways possible to attain a brighter future.
The students also awarded city businessman, Egide Gatera, who donated a 1.5 hectare parcel of land at Kagugu, Gasabo District for the construction of the ‘One Dollar Complex’ for survivor children.
Others awarded include the UK-based Survivors Fund (SURF) and the headmaster of APERER Secondary School, Edson Nsengiyumva, for his role in ensuring that students who survived the Genocide acquired adequate education.
The association which was formed October 20, 1996 with 12 students at the National University of Rwanda and has since extended to all universities and about 350 secondary schools with membership increase to over 43,000.
Ends
Leave a Reply