Rwandan genocide survivor visits Dorset school

STUDENTS heard first-hand about the reconstruction efforts in Rwanda when a survivor of the 1994 genocide visited a Dorset school.

Mother of six Odette Kayiere lost her husband in the conflict between ethnic Hutus and Tutsis fifteen years ago, which saw some 800,000 slaughtered.

Now a regional co-ordinator with self-help widows and orphans’ association AVEGA, she visited Talbot Heath School as part of a week-long visit to the UK.

Addressing students, Odette described how the African country is going through a period of reconciliation, including the empowering of women.

Such is the female advance that the majority of MP’s in the Rwandan parliament – 53 per cent – are women.

“We are now a key part of the development of our country,” said Odette.

Talbot Heath School is twinned with St Emmanuel College in Hanika, Rwanda, and students are in frequent touch with their African counterparts. They also take part in fundraising activities.

Headmistress, Christine Dipple, who has twice visited Rwanda said Odette’s visit had shed new light on the country’s reconstruction.

“While never forgetting the genocide, it’s important to hear about the great strides being made in the reconciliation process fifteen years on. Odette demonstrated that there is much to be hopeful about,” Mrs Dipple said.

Odette’s visit to Talbot Heath was arranged through Msaada, the Dorset-based registered charity which helps establish self-sustainable and humanitarian projects for the people of Rwanda.