Gicumbi: ADEPR Church Builds Modern Home for 78-Year-Old Genocide Survivor

The house was officially inaugurated on June 11, 2026, after construction costs exceeded Rwf 12 million, with finishing works still ongoing.

Nyirabunori, who survived the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, said she had been living in extremely difficult conditions for years. She revealed that the old house she previously lived in had collapsed on her three different times.

Speaking emotionally during the inauguration ceremony, she expressed deep gratitude to ADEPR Church and its members for giving her a safe and dignified place to live.

“I had only daughters left, and they did not have the financial means to build me a house,” she said. “The house I was living in had collapsed several times, but today I thank God and ADEPR Church for building me a strong and beautiful home.”

She explained that all of her sons passed away, leaving her dependent on her daughters, who were themselves struggling to care for their own families.

Pastor Mugiraneza Jean Baptiste, head of ADEPR Parish in Gicumbi, said supporting genocide survivors and vulnerable people is part of the church’s mission.

“It is our responsibility as Christians to stand with vulnerable people and improve their living conditions,” he said. “We will continue supporting those facing hardships whenever possible.”

The Executive Secretary of Mutete Sector, Irankijije Nduwayo, noted that local residents and different stakeholders contributed to the project, including preparing the construction site and helping connect electricity to the new house.

One of Nyirabunori’s daughters described the gesture as extraordinary, saying the family had been overwhelmed by the burden of raising children and grandchildren without the means to provide decent housing for their mother.

The Executive Secretary of Gicumbi District, Kirenga Moses, praised ADEPR as a key development partner that continues to support vulnerable citizens and improve community welfare.

“ADEPR remains an important partner in promoting the well-being of citizens,” he said. “This is a remarkable act of compassion, and as local authorities, we are ready to continue supporting whatever additional needs this elderly woman may have.”

In addition to the new house, Nyirabunori also received food supplies and other essential items to support her daily living conditions.