Bugesera: Youth Volunteers, VSO build shelters for vulnerable families

By Elias Hakizimana.

Some of the vulnerable families including genocide survivors from Mayange sector in Bugesera District are soon to have new houses built by district’s youth volunteers in partnership with Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO Rwanda).

Beneficiaries include five vulnerable households and two genocide survivors.

The buildings are under construction and will be handed over to the beneficiaries in coming few days.

Gabriel Hakizimana, one of the beneficiaries said that they used to struggle in the old houses, renting with no financial capacity.

“We used to live in the bad and insecure houses, it is a very big problem for us to rent here and there a couple of times, coupled with the conflicts with the landlords who sometimes chase us out due to lack of money, but we are now happy that we will have our own houses,” Hakizimana said.

“These children (youth) are generous, I thank them for their charitable activity, they informed us before that they will give us good shelters and they make the promise a reality, I also thank the efforts of local authorities of Bugesera district who participated in this activity, may God bless them,” he added.

Zahra Mujawimana is another beneficiary. she used to experience problems with her family and most of them are linked to financial capacity to pay accommodation.

“I and my family used to rent a house and it is not an easy exercise because of poverty, l thank the youths from Bugesera district and their partner who managed to think of us and support us with the houses,” Mujawimana said.

Franklin Murangira, VSO Rwanda Chief of Party said that they selected the seven vulnerable families who did not have houses.

“We got time to discuss with the young people from Bugesera district who informed us about the initiative to support needy people, which is similar to our vision, and we approached them to build these houses from the beginning until today, I commend them for the efforts made,” Murangira said.

According to Murangira, VSO contributed the iron sheets, trees and other construction materials. He pledged continuous interventions to finish the buildings.

The administration assistant of Mayange welcomed the initiative and she said: “It is our great pleasure to have our vulnerable genocide survivors in our sector, we have really appreciated the initiative. I request beneficiaries to cater for the houses to ensure sustainability,”

A number of vulnerable citizens continue to be accommodated in Bugesera district. In April, 2022, other 12 vulnerable families from Gasabo district were donated houses by another partner in Bugesera.

Pascal Mbonimpaye, Coordinator of the National Youth Council in Bugesera District points out that among the activities of the youth that focus on solving the problems that threaten the people, the most important is the accommodation for the needy.

“In the activities of the youth of Bugesera district, we focus on welcoming homeless people, repairing houses and toilets that are not in good condition, and we also do campaigns to encourage people not to live with animals.”

He added that they plan to organize a special day in the village to light five houses built for the needy and two more who survived the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in 1994.

He appreciated the support of 4,000 iron sheets and other construction materials provided by VSO Rwanda to avail support to the vulnerable communities in the district.

After the completion of houses and over 100 efficient latrines for needy citizens, the district will celebrate achievements of youths through an organized special initiative.

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