I have posted on this blog previously about the work of Odette Kayirere, Coordinator of the Eastern Region branch of AVEGA (Association of Widows of the Genocide).

SURF’s Founder, Mary Kayitesi Blewitt OBE, helped to register AVEGA-AGAHOZO (agahozo is a kinyarwanda word, which means “dry one’s tears”) in 1995, which she chronicles in her recent book, You Alone May Live. AVEGA was the first partner of SURF, with funding raised by Comic Relief in 1997. And I was privileged to attend its 15th Anniversary event this summer in Kigali – at which the First Lady, Mrs Kagame, opened the new AVEGA clinic.

SURF continues to support the work of the organisation today, along with a number of other dedicated funders including Msaada and CAFOD .

Odette is one of five remarkable “Unsung Heroes” that have been shortlisted for the Guardian International Development Achievement Award. She is one of a number of incredible widows that make the work of AVEGA possible, and your vote for her will be a vote for all the team that now helps over 25,000 widows of the genocide in Rwanda.

To register your vote click on this link or the thumbnail below, and vote Odette Kayirere.

Thank you!