GAKENKE: Support from Rwandan journalists gives beneficiaries hope for a better life

Vulnerable survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Gakenke District have expressed deep gratitude and joy after receiving cows from Rwandan journalists and they are hopeful for a better life due to the productivity the cows are expected to bring.

The event, organized by the Rwanda Journalists Association (ARJ) in partnership with various media outlets and journalist organizations (Media Fraternity), took place on Friday, May 16, 2025.

One of the beneficiaries, Uwimana Immaculée shared her feelings: “Receiving a cow is truly a great joy. I used to love journalists just for the information they shared, but after they’ve given me a cow, it’s a whole new level of love and connection. This love has grown stronger, and I will now love them even more than before,” she said.

“Having a cow will improve my life. I’ll get milk for nutrition and fertilizer for my crops. My living conditions will improve significantly,” she added.

Another beneficiary, Niyonsega Regis shared: “I am very happy that journalists gave me a cow. Once it starts producing, I’ll have milk to drink and manure for farming. This is a path out of poverty for me.”

Uwamahoro Odile, speaking on behalf of those who received the cows, also expressed their happiness: “As you can see, we are filled with joy. In the near future, we’ll be healthier and stronger. Now we’ll be able to tell our children: ‘Milk first!’ We are truly happy,” she said.

Vestine Mukandayisenga, the Mayor of Gakenke District thanked the journalists for their thoughtful initiative to support vulnerable genocide survivors. She highlighted that the cows are not loans, but investments meant to transform lives and livelihoods.

“These cows are not to be repaid, but are a means to build a better life. Based on our previous discussions in preparation for this event, we noted that during the genocide, families had more than one cow. Giving them a productive cow today is a way to accelerate their development. We ask them to take good care of these cows, feed them, give them water, and keep them in proper shelters. We ensured beforehand that they had appropriate shelters. We trust that these cows will be helpful, providing milk and improving lives, just as the beneficiaries themselves have said,” she explained.

Solange Ayanone, the representative of ARJ, explained the motivation behind the initiative:
“This is an annual activity we carry out. Since the media played a great role during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, we decided to take action to contribute to the country’s reconstruction.”

During the ceremony, ten cows were distributed, with a total value of 10 million Rwandan Francs. This event took place during the 100 days of commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Fulgencie MUKAMUSONI