Rwanda 15

Commemorating 15 Years Since the Rwandan Genocide


April 6, 2009 marked the beginning of 100 days of mourning for the people of Rwanda. Beginning on this date, 15 years ago, nearly 1 million lives were taken in the Rwandan Genocide. On each one of these 100 days, from April through July, approximately 10,000 people were brutally murdered and many more were injured, maimed, raped or traumatized by the events that occurred.

This anniversary is a time of mourning and sorrow for past pain and suffering, but it is also a celebration of how far Rwanda has come in the last 15 years. It is an important time to acknowledge this milestone, and to recognize the importance of healing and reconciliation for this country. We must look at our own lives and ask ourselves; how are we contributing to the healing of Rwanda and her people?

One of Africa Mission Alliance’s staff members in Rwanda, William Ngabo asked himself this same question, and had it all put in perspective as he underwent surgery immediately prior to this anniversary. William says:

“In going through my surgery, I was reminded of 15 years ago in Rwanda, when thousands of individuals were not as fortunate as I was. My relatively painless operation contrasts so sharply to the pain and suffering that was endured during the 1994 genocide, where many had their arms, hands, and legs brutally chopped off by machete wielding militia. As I recovered during this time period, I was challenged to think about what my contribution has been to the healing of Rwanda. I am happy to be associated with Africa Mission Alliance, which continues to reach out to the people who were directly or indirectly affected by the genocide. Many of these people that they are reaching are children born during or after the killings, and widows, some of whom were raped and given HIV/AIDS as a result. Many of them still have psychological as well as physical wounds in their hearts and on their bodies.”

While Rwanda is commemorating this anniversary by raising money to help women and children who were affected by the genocide, Africa Mission Alliance is happy to be continuing the work that they have been doing in Rwanda for years. This includes promoting healing, unity and restoration among the people.

One of the ways that AMA is accomplishing this is through small business programs, such as goat rearing. Women from different tribes are being brought together, running the same type of business, and learning from one another. Although they didn’t want to meet together at first, now they are sharing about business, life, and becoming each others support. For just $50.00 you can contribute to this program by buying a goat to help a woman start her own business today.

Visit www.africamissionalliance.org for more information.