The Marquette Chapter of Step Up! and the American Association of Rwandan Women needs your help in raising funds for the Nsanga Counseling Center. The center in Butare, Rwanda provides psychological counseling and training to survivors of the 1994 genocide, and is still in need of funds to maintain their incredible mission for the surrounding Rwandan community.
In a letter from Step Up's founder, Gallimore Rangira Bea, she explains the meaning behind the name of the center,
"The center is named Nsanga, after my mother who was brutally
murdered in 1994 with my three brothers and a sister during the
genocide against Tutsi. Nsanga means "come to me" or "welcome" She
is the woman who inspired me, she gave us (her children) strength
when nothing else could help! This is the only way I can honor her
for her generosity through the years of her life. She never stopped
giving her time, love and service to the people for a better world. Thank
you for making this dream come through. "
The
genocide in Rwanda started on April 7th, 1994. In just 100 days, until
mid-July, an estimated 500,000-1,000,000 Tutsi civilians were killed--a
staggering 20% of the population and 70% of the Tutsi population. Since, Rwanda
has made enormous improvements, being one of the few African countries on track
to achieve most of it United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Yet still,
the genocide has had a profound impact, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually,
on the survivors, namely women and children, and the importance of this center
to those affected is immeasurable.
Thank you for your donation,
Step Up, Marquette Chapter E-board