On 1st June 2024, OLSAR on the sponsorship of ICBL-CMC organized the international Day of Mine awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, for the 1st time in Rwanda, where Leaders, landmine survivors, and victims Members of OLSAR and everyone present recommit to creating a safer future for Landmine Free World and resilience of survivors.
Some of landmine survivors and amputees who shared their testimony to the audience including Sam Nsanzamahoro witness touching testimonies of how they were desperate after losing their body parts and the journey of resilience they underwent with OLSAR and its partners.
In a heartfelt testimony, landmine survivor Sam Nsanzamahoro a former carpenter shared his inspiring journey of resilience and transformation. “The explosion took my leg, at the moment it was beyond bearable. Surviving a landmine didn’t mean the end of life for me, It was the beginning of a new chapter. based on the counseling and help of OLSAR, I turned my tragedy into an opportunity, transitioning from carpentry to shoemaking. Now, I’m not just supporting myself but moving towards small-scale production, creating a future filled with hope and purpose.”
His story stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the ability to rebuild and thrive despite overwhelming odds.
A young lady whose name is Kevine Ishimwe is an amputee player in Rwanda Championship and beneficiary of OLSAR’s programs. She confidently confirms that she overcame the trauma and loneliness of being an amputee thanks to OLSAR’s programs.
“OLSAR has transformed our lives by providing not only the physical tools we need to move forward but also the emotional support to overcome our trauma. The financial assistance and rehabilitation services have been crucial in helping us rebuild our lives and become active, contributing members of our communities. OLSAR’s dedication to our well-being ensures that we can face the future with hope and dignity.” said Kevine Ishimwe.
Ni Laurent BIZIMANA Fundraising and Finance Officer OLSAR (Organization of Landmines Survivors and Amputees in Rwanda) said that as a respected member of the International Campaign to Ban Land Mines and Cluster Munitions (ICBL-CMC), OLSAR continues to advocate for a mine-free world, ensuring that the voices of survivors are heard and their needs met.
“The Organisation of Landmine Survivors and Amputees in Rwanda (OLSAR), founded in 2014 by landmine survivors and amputees, has significantly impacted the lives of its beneficiaries by promoting and protecting their rights. Addressing both the physical and psychological needs of those affected by landmine explosions, OLSAR has been instrumental in Rwanda’s achievement of landmine-free status as of August 25, 2015. Through comprehensive support programs, including healthcare, prosthetics, and psychological counseling, OLSAR has helped survivors regain their independence and reintegrate into society. Financially, the organization’s efforts have boosted economic stability for survivors, enabling many to return to work and support their families, thus contributing to the country’s overall development,” Bizimana emphasized.
In a recent address, the Director of OLSAR Francis Karangwa Kavurati called upon Rwandans to reflect on the devastating impact of landmines on communities worldwide and to honor the survivors, victims, and their families. Emphasizing the organization’s commitment to a mine-free world, the Director praised Rwanda for its efforts in eradicating landmines, leading to the nation’s achievement of landmine-free status. The Director also acknowledged the significant rehabilitation and welfare assistance provided to survivors and victims within Rwanda, noting it has been several years since the last landmine explosion on Rwandan soil.
“We commend the Government of Rwanda for having fought landmines and explosives until we attained the status of a landmine-free state,” the Director stated. “We also acknowledge the efforts made by our government in the rehabilitation and welfare assistance to the survivors and victims in Rwanda. However, the ongoing work needed is to support survivors and amputees by ensuring their inclusion in community programs and monitoring the landmine-free status through the implementation of relevant protocols,” Karangwa remarked.
The Director concluded by urging the Rwandan government to submit a report on its current status, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to a total ban on landmines. He believes that submitting this report, it assures other states that they are together in advocating for a total ban on landmines.
OLSAR also called upon Disabled Persons’ Organizations (DPOs) in Rwanda to support amputees, ensuring they can enjoy life alongside their fellow citizens. The Organization of Landmine Survivors and Amputees in Rwanda (OLSAR) presents a call to action, of encouraging everyone to recommit to creating a safer future for Rwanda and the world. The event was decorated by a friendly basketball match in which Leaders, survivors, and victims Members of OLSAR and everyone present enjoyed the talents hidden in many of people with disabilities. All went saying that disability is not inability.
By Noel MPOREBUKE
