Tue, 25 May 2004

World Vision Rwanda head visits New Zealand

It is ten years since Kofi Hagan, Director of World Vision Rwanda, last visited New Zealand, and ten years since the genocide in Rwanda.

Mr Hagan, then National Director of World Vision in neighbouring Uganda, was the first senior World Vision staff member to enter Rwanda as the genocide began. "I witnessed the worst atrocities I have ever seen. But I was able to start a communication process that started World Vision's work in Rwanda and its subsequent ministry there," he says. He adds the recovery of the country is in many ways a miracle. "Obviously the road to full recovery is long and painfully slow but it is reassuring to see the determination of the Rwandese people to rebuild and recover from the trauma of genocide."

He says World Vision Rwanda has been helping survivors of the genocide through its peace and reconciliation programme. "This psychosocial programme enables people to undergo self-reflection at a very deep level. They commit themselves to taking steps of reconciliation with their neighbours."

Many thousands of children were orphaned during the genocide and World Vision is helping children living on their own, through providing housing and community support. World Vision Rwanda also promotes micro-credit programmes to enable survivors to support themselves financially. "On another front, we're also promoting HIV interventions and care for people living with HIV/AIDS," says Mr Hagan.

New Zealand has strong links with Rwanda, says Mr Hagan. "The New Zealand ambassador to the United Nations Security Council [Colin Keating] urged the United Nations to recognise that genocide was indeed occurring in Rwanda, and for the return of UN troops to Rwanda to stop the slaughter." Unfortunately, by the time the UN voted to pour troops into Rwanda, it was too late. A million had been slaughtered in 100 days.

In terms of nation-building, New Zealand is still contributing, says Mr Hagan. "We know in Rwanda that money raised in the 40 Hour Famine by New Zealand young people is helping our young people, and that touches our hearts. It is like a link between our two countries."

Money raised in the Famine goes to support teenagers in Rwanda who are living on their own or supporting whole households on their own.

Kofi Hagan is in New Zealand from 29 May to 3 June and is available for interviews.

ENDS

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