Albert Musabyimana, a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, is the mastermind behind the Peace and Hope Initiative located in Kinyinya, Gasabo District. The Organization started with the Kuraneza Early Childhood Development program, to support the disadvantaged children in acquiring pre-school education. The ECD started with the children whose parents are orphans of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Additionally, Musabyimana had to also support elderly women and their families accessing basic needs through advocacy and the little means he had to share with those in needs.
Musabyimana’s Background
At the age of 16, he experienced the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and unfortunately, only he and his two younger sisters survived the tragedy within their entire family. As the oldest sibling, he was forced to take on the role of caretaker. Musabyimana reflects on how difficult life was as he had to balance attending school while also looking after his siblings. They relied on the kindness of others, and there were days when they had no food to eat.
However, in 2005, luck was on their side as he was chosen, along with other child-headed families, to receive free housing through the Survivors Fund (SURF), an initiative aimed at supporting Rwandan youth who were severely impacted by the 1994 Genocide.
With SURF’s support, he was able to obtain a house and complete his studies at the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology, where he graduated with a degree
Inspiration
Musabyimana, motivated by his difficult past, found the drive to show compassion towards vulnerable children, single mothers, and elderly individuals in 2012. He felt a strong urge to help his community break free from the poverty cycle that had persisted since the 1950s, when their parents were denied education due to genocide ideology.
Consequently, Musabyimana established the Peace and Hope Initiative, aiming to enhance the lives of these vulnerable communities.
Initially, he began by selecting 48 children from households led by minors. However, later, he expanded his efforts by embracing more underprivileged children and currently, he provides support to over a thousand children through the Peace and Hope Academy which offers Education from Nursery Level to the Primary School Level.
Recognizing the importance of providing them with a solid educational foundation to navigate their future, Musabyimana choses to support less fortunate children through education, as he himself has benefited from it and believes it is the key to success in life.
He emphasizes that attending school, particularly for girls, reduces the risk of unwanted pregnancies and contracting HIV/AIDS.
While the Peace and Hope Academy focuses on providing pre-school education, Musabyimana continues his philanthropic works by assisting other vulnerable groups such as Persons with disabilities, Women beggars, those with HIV and street children by enabling them to do the socio-economic projects while children are to return to school.
To achieve all of that, Mr. Musabyimana relies on the partnership with the well-wishers and other partners including Government and Non-Governmental Organizations that are committed to alleviate families from poverty and the promotion of Education for all.
Plans
Peace and Hope Initiative plans to expand its Educational facility to be able to enroll more children who still don’t have that chance to attend the school.
Albert has created not only a school, but a small community of hope! Today, he needs your support to continue his mission and ensure every child has the chance at a bright and prosperous future!