The continuing effects of the Rwanda genocide

Hundreds of orphans from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide still struggle in Kigali’s slums, often working as drug dealers or prostitutes to stay alive. In the lives of the people of the Giporoso district, we see how the 1994 genocide of the ethnic Tutsi and politically moderate Hutu peoples, as well as the ravages of HIV, continue to have long-lasting effects.

Van-sing, a 20-year-old Rwandan, who escaped from an orphanage in a banana truck. "I liked bananas too much. I jumped in the truck to eat some bananas and then I waited there until it reached somewhere and the driver discovered me and pushed me away. After that I came to Giporoso to find a real family."
Many orphans of the Rwandan genocide, including Van-Sing, are left picking pockets, gambling and fighting for money.
Van-Sing says, "Life in Giporoso is like jail, but we have to share. We have to care from each other as well." Children in Giporoso also fight for survival. "I don't like to see young kids suffering or fighting like I did," Van-Sing added.
Belusi (L) accompanies Van-sing (L) while he talks to a man in the street. His friend, 25-year-old Mushumba Mwiza (R), watches the man's wallet, in a trap to rob him near Giporoso, Kigali, Rwanda. Fri, Nov 15, 2013. Orphans of the Rwandan genocide, Van-Sing and others were left picking pockets, gambling and fighting for money.
Van-sing rests in the corridor after a robbery that he committed, planning what he should do with the money next.
Van-sing gambles with his friends in a public garden near Giporoso.
Van-sing (R) drinks while he shares a meal with his friend, 20-year-old Nshizirungu Amos (L), in Chez Mama Fan restaurant in Giporoso, Kigali, Rwanda. Wed, Nov 13, 2013. Van-sing has known Nshizirungu Amos since he escaped the orphanage. Van-Sing says "Life in Giporoso is like jail, but we have to share."
An image from the Gisozi Memorial Site, with survivors cleaning exhumed bodies of genocide victims.
"Many people ask me to tattoo them with anti-genocide slogans like 'never again' or 'strong survivors’ says Negnzi Alliy, a 23-year-old tattoo artist and genocide orphan. “Others want love tattoos. Sometimes they pay with drugs or offer sex. I don't care about HIV transmission through my needles. Giporoso is killing our generation softly."
Shakuol, a 20-year-old video editor and genocide orphan, said, "I'm working on editing video and recording music for some songs. Sometimes I design advertisements. I worked many jobs until I got a computer and sound system equipment.”
“At the moment, my income is enough for electricity and house rent. It's not enough to pay for internet, even when I work all day long.”
“Sometimes I don't have enough time to stay with my friends. But, every night before I go to sleep, I look at this African painting on the wall and remember my mom, who I lost during the genocide."
"I didn't know what HIV meant a year ago. I just recognized it when I was sick and the doctor asked me to get tested. Then I started medications,” said Kayitesi Janet, a 19-year-old prostitute and a genocide orphan who is HIV positive.
“But I couldn't stop working. I have to get food and pay transportation to the hospital when I get tired or when I go to receive medications. Sometimes I skip doses when the medicine finishes and I don't have enough money to go to the hospital to receive more. At that moment, I have to find a client or someone to give me money. Sometimes people here tell me you will die soon, which makes feel scared and alone."
Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Football Club supporters during a match against Rayon Sports football team in Remera stadium. A.P.R. FC was the team of the Rwandan Patriotic Front when it was still a liberation movement, between 1990-1994.
Rayon Sports football team supporters. Rayon Sports is one of the oldest and most popular in Rawanda, with supporters mainly in Kigali and in the south of the country.
Kuitonda David, a 24-year-old genocide orphan, works in a pool hall and shares a bed with his work mate, Nzamwita Afrodis, who is HIV positive. "Sometimes friends tell me, 'You might get infected because of sharing things with him'.”
“It's very hard to get proper advice from people here, most of them are HIV positive and they can't protect or advise themselves. We share a bed but we don't actually meet. When I'm working, he's sleeping and vice-versa.”
“But I always pray and ask the Virgin Marry to help me and protect me. She is my mom, my best friend."
An image from the Gisozi Memorial Site, with survivors cleaning exhumed bodies of genocide victims.
Van-sing (R) and his friend Nshizirungu Amos (L) nap in a public garden after having a meal.
Van-sing (R) walks with his friend Mushumba Mwiza in Giporoso.
 
 
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Hamada Elrasam  https://twitter.com/elrasam
Hamada is always ready to take up any challenge in a work place or any other environment. His journey as a photographer started almost a decade ago and was honed at CIC photo-school. “I believe in ‘idea’ and the ‘story’ behind my photograph. I would say I am a photographer driven by art, creativity and inspiration, the ‘idea’ that goes into the making of photograph is what’s important.
 
 
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