YEGO Rwanda

Over the course of 100 days, from April 6 to July 16 1994, close to two million people were systematically killed in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, leaving thousands of orphaned children. Between 250,000 and 500,000 girls and women were sexually assaulted, causing extreme trauma, pregnancy and the spread of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases, often resulting in even more orphans. Several Hutu who were involved in the genocide fled the country or were imprisoned for over a decade, leaving their children alone, living as orphans. Rwanda is a nation of people suffering from post traumatic stress. The YEGO Foundation was founded in February 2010 in Kigali, by the Rev. Emmanuel Gatera, Mrs. Athanasie Gatera and a group of local and international friends. MINISTRIES

The YEGO ministries strive to help vulnerable Rwandans in the following areas:

Healing from Trauma
■ trauma counselling
■ healing retreats for women, youth and recently, separate retreats for men too
■ leadership training for women and youth to become trauma counsellors to others
■ visiting, listening and talking with vulnerable people
■ opportunities to share their feelings

Education and Skill Development
■ fundraising to pay school fees
■ instruction in computer software, English language, sewing, dancing
■ basic family and professional skill training
■ health education including information on hygiene and HIV/AIDS

Physical and Spiritual Growth
■ provision of basic needs like food, clothing, toiletries
■ Bible study, prayer and bringing comfort through God's love
■ encouraging the growth of Christian faith

Tutsi/Hutu Orphan Unity and Reconciliation
■ promotion of a culture of peace and tolerance
■ retreats where orphans can enjoy a break from routine
■ sports to encourage friendships, tolerance and focus
■ folklore - songs, dances, poems, games - to help heal and unite

Hope for the Future
■ a daycare to enable women to work to support themselves and their families
■ skills to further education or find employment
■ the building of self-confidence, self-esteem and solidarity
■ the realization that they matter and belong in society
■ the knowledge that they are loved

For more information, please visit www.yegorwanda.net