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Since 1995, AVEGA Agahozo has been a beacon of hope for survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi

Our Story: From Tragedy to Triumph

In the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, a group of 50 widowed survivors came together in Kigali on January 15, 1995. United by shared experiences and an urgent need for mutual support, they laid the foundation for what would become AVEGA Agahozo, a women-led organization.

AVEGA, which stands for Association des Veuves du Génocide (Association of Widows of the Genocide), combined with “Agahozo,” a Kinyarwanda word meaning “to dry one’s tears,” embodies our mission of healing and hope.

From these humble beginnings, AVEGA has blossomed into a nationwide support network, touching the lives of over 20,000 widows and 71,000 dependents. Our reach extends to vulnerable women’s groups and children, providing comprehensive support that includes:

Healthcare Services
Socioeconomic Empowerment
Integration, Healing, and Social Cohesion Services
Women’s Rights Services for Resilience
Mental Health and Trauma Counseling
Educational Support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children

As we continue to grow, our commitment to healing, empowerment, and rebuilding remains steadfast, ensuring that the legacy of survival transforms into a future of thriving for all our beneficiaries.

Mission

AVEGA is working to foster social justice for widows of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi as well as other vulnerable women, children and families affected by conflict. We do this through improving access to healthcare, socio-economic opportunities and by enhancing gender parity, allowing members to transform and rebuilding their lives.

Vision

AVEGA seeks a nation of optimism where vulnerable women, children and families lead a dignified life free from all forms of conflict.

Values

We believe in equal opportunity as we are all equally responsible for building a better future. Itis only through working together, listening to each other and supporting one another that we will achieve our full potential as human beings.

Our Impact: Transforming Lives Across Rwanda

Transforming Lives Across Rwanda

Since our inception, AVEGA has made significant strides in supporting genocide survivors and their families.

Our impact extends beyond numbers, reflected in the restored dignity, improved livelihoods, and renewed hope of countless individuals and communities across Rwanda.

Support Our Work

Beneficiaries Across Rwanda

Years of unwavering commitment

Widows Empowered

counseling support provided

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At the Heart of Everything We Do

AVEGA-Agahozo’s work touches the lives of diverse groups affected by the genocide:

Genocide Widows: Our primary focus, providing comprehensive support for their physical, emotional, and economic well-being.
Orphans and Vulnerable Children: Offering educational support, psychosocial care, and pathways to a brighter future.
Youth with Transgenerational Trauma: Addressing the unique needs of the post-genocide generation through specialized mental health and social programs.
Children Born of Rape: Providing targeted support to address their complex psychosocial needs and promote social integration.
General Public: Through our three health centres in Kigali, Rwamagana, and Bugesera, we extend our medical services to the broader community.

We also collaborate with the government on national health initiatives, including screening, treatment, and prevention of hepatitis, STIs, and tuberculosis.

In partnership with FARG (Fond d’Assistance aux Rescapés du Génocide), we operate elderly care homes, ensuring that survivors without family support receive compassionate care in their golden years.