21.04.08 - RWANDA/GENOCIDE - SOCIAL SECURITY FIRM OFFERS TRAINING FOR RWANDAN ORPHANS

Nyanza, 21 April 2008 (FH) - Rwanda's social security firm, Caisse Sociale du Rwanda (CSR), has launched a massive training and educational programme for the orphans of the 1994 genocide, reports Hirondelle Agency.

1 minApproximate reading time

The programme is expected to benefit some 74, 672 orphans, including 16, 000 who are heads of households across the country.

In Nyanza, southern province, the social security firm organized training in sewing for household heads of Mukingo sector. The CSR also donated food and other items, valued at 2, 970, 000 Rwandan Francs (about US $5,500). The province hosts approximately 7,000 orphans.

"The training will be of a great value for you ... You will be useful to yourselves and the society ", stated Henry Gaperi, Director of the CSR at a meeting with the orphans and officials recently.

In addition, a room will be set up and trainers availed for six months for the orphans, he added.

"You must overcome loneliness and isolation... let's combine our efforts for a better future", stressed the director.

"We are happy that the CSR has answered our call", said Roger Rwamasirabo, President of association of orphans who are heads of households. Their mini-village, in Mukingo, consists of 10 houses and hosts 10 families with a total population of 60 orphans and the youngest being 14 years old. The oldest is aged 30.

"Your presence brings warmth here and revives our hopes," said Jean de Dieu Harerimana, 21, spokesperson for the orphans

According to Hyacinthe Musanganire, Deputy-Mayor (in charge of social affairs), efforts are underway to seek land and capital to help the orphans get engaged into productive activities.

SRE/PB/MM/SC

© Hirondelle News Agency