On Friday, June 20, the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK)- through ‘INTANGO Y’UBUDAHERANWA’-donated cows to three survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, residents of Muhanga District, as a gesture aimed at breaking their isolation and supporting their livelihood.
The initiative, organized and carried out by the ICK community under the leadership of the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana, was attended by various officials, including the Mayor of Muhanga District and the President of IBUKA in the District—the umbrella organization for Genocide survivors.
Father Prof. Dushimimana stated that the donation was part of ICK’s efforts to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He explained that although ICK had already held a 31st commemoration event on May 22, it was important to go beyond remembrance by also providing tangible support to survivors.
“After the commemoration, we felt that remembrance alone wasn’t enough. We also need to build the capacity to support those who were deprived. That’s why we must be there for survivors, not just to rebuild ourselves but also to help them rebuild their lives,” said Father Prof. Dushimimana.
He emphasized that this act reflects ICK’s broader mission—not only to impart knowledge but also to instill values of solidarity and compassion.
He further noted that the idea originated from students, adding, “We train them to take initiative, and we are here to support them.”
In her remarks, Muhanga District Mayor Jacqueline Kayitare commended the ICK community for remembering and supporting Genocide survivors.
She noted that the 100 days of commemoration are particularly difficult for survivors, making such gestures especially meaningful.
“This initiative not only helps survivors, but also educates young people. It shows us that Rwanda’s future generation will carry forward our values of unity and remembrance to ensure such atrocities never happen again,” she said.
She also thanked the survivors for their resilience and their ongoing contributions to the country’s development, even as they continue to live side by side with those who harmed them.
Pierre Kanangire, Guild President of Association Générale des Étudiants (AGE-ICK) and a key organizer of the initiative, expressed gratitude to the university leadership and everyone who contributed to making the event possible.
He said the action reflects the kind of responsible and united citizens that ICK aims to nurture, committed to fighting division and supporting vulnerable Genocide survivors.
“This symbolizes our determination to promote unity among Rwandans and to support Genocide survivors from disadvantaged backgrounds through practical support,” he said.
The recipients also expressed deep gratitude to ICK and shared what the cows will mean for their lives.
Adelphine Mukanyandwi from Shyogwe Sector said she was thrilled to receive a cow, which will help improve her farming. “I’m grateful to ICK and our country for supporting us after all we went through. This cow will change my life, it will provide manure for my crops and milk for my family,” she said, adding “They say when someone gives you a cow, you should pass on the kindness. While I can’t repay ICK directly, I will help another person in need.”
Eugene Nsabimana also said, “We’re truly happy about this initiative. After experiencing the loneliness that followed the Genocide, we feel encouraged by the continued support from our country, and this donation from ICK proves that.”
The recipients pledged to extend the gesture by passing on the offspring of the cows to other survivors in need, continuing the Rwandan tradition of cow-sharing for social solidarity).
According to IBUKA in Muhanga, during this 31st commemoration period, many survivors have received various forms of support, including livestock, startup capital, food, and home repairs through ‘INTANGO Y’UBUDAHERANWA’.
