Today, despite the trauma of the past, Rwanda is rebuilding.  Its economy is growing, more children are at school than ever before, and there are more women in parliament than in any other nation. 

However, thousands of survivors whose homes, means of living, loved ones and whole communities were taken away from them are still suffering the consequences of the genocide fifteen years on.

Over the course of 100 days from 7 April 1994, as a million children, women and men were being slaughtered in Rwanda simply because they were Tutsi, the international community knew what was happening and the media reported on it, but nothing was done to intervene. Hutus opposed to the onslaught were also killed. 

Hope for the future

For survivors, the extended family - so important as a social safety net in Rwanda, as in many countries - is not there to turn to because everyone has been killed. As a result, some survivors have been forced onto the street, into begging or even into prostitution.

Many orphans with hopes and dreams for a brighter future have been unable to complete their education, having to beg or find underpaid manual work to enable other orphans or younger siblings to have enough food to live. Looking after households that often have no running water or electricity, even if they are able to get to school, finding time and space in the day to study is a serious challenge.

‘Candles for Rwanda’ is intended to help change all that. Widows such as Anne-Marie, and orphans such as Darling and Rusarika in Kimironko, Kigali, featured in this film, demonstrate just how far a little support can go in helping these survivors to rebuild their lives. Typical of thousands of others across Rwanda's capital, they never wanted to become long-term charity cases. All they ever needed was a little support to provide them with the opportunity to help themselves.

But beyond the daily struggle with poverty itself, all of these survivors live with the lasting trauma of genocide.

“It is profoundly meaningful for us survivors to see the statements of solidarity from people all over the world.  The messages and the practical assistance for destitute survivors are heartening and provide us with hope.  For many people it will mean they don’t just survive, but they will live again.”
Theodore Simburudari, President of Ibuka, Rwanda's national Survivors Association.