Venuste: "I serve everyone without making any difference"

My name is Venuste. The population of Gatovu often calls me “Counselor” since I spent 15 years as the head of the Sector. I am the father of six children but I have lost three to the insecurity that followed the genocide.

I am one of the first beneficiaries of FXB Rwanda and I am grateful for that. I am a survivor of the genocide that killed thousands of Tutsis, including my parents, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors.

FXB came to our rescue at the right time. My house and all my possessions were destroyed. FXB first gave me a house that allowed me to return to my land. Afterwards, the organization gave me a cow and seeds. This was the beginning of my life as farmer-breeder. FXB’s staff were with me almost every day: their advice allowed me to gradually turn the page of the genocide.

Before, I used to take all people from other ethnic groups as my eternal enemies, but I learned tolerance, patience and forgiveness. It is probably this change in character that motivated the local authority to place me at the head of the sector. I serve everyone without making any difference.

Through its FXBVillage community development program, the organization has helped me a lot: access to water, basic health care, disease prevention … it almost became a right! FXB taught me how to work and save money. The solidarity group FXB created for us is still working. We don’t have any financial problems anymore: when I need help, the group assists me. We are united as former beneficiaries and the rest of the community followed our example. We love each other and help each other. FXB has become our assembler.

Thanks to FXB, which has taken care of their schooling, my children went back to school. My daughter Irene graduated from university a few years ago. She now works for FXB Rwanda as a social worker and Monitoring & Evaluation Officer. She is really my pride! Thanks to her, I am redistributing to other families what FXB has given me.