Eric Senderi, a local artist and former soldier and genocide survivor feels the pain of being an orphan. He has lived the ordeal of the genocide against the Tutsi, and has taken the first step in supporting the One Dollar Campaign. He has composed a song, Imfubyi Zirababaye, ("Orphans are grieving"), which he donated to the campaign.

The fundraising campaign which was inaugurated on April 4, is geared to raise two million dollars in one hundred days to built shelters for orphaned children survivors of the tragic genocide.

Many artists, like Senderi, have pledged their support, solidarity and compassion to raise the money needed to improve the livelihoods of those vulnerable children, through organized concerts across the country.

Aline Gahongayire, a gospel singer, says it makes her very happy if her talent and vocals can help in any way to put a roof above those children's heads. Gahongayire was part of the tens of local artist who took part in a march in Kigali City to sensitize and mobilize the public to donate to the campaign. A music concert took place at Petit Stade last Friday, which brought together those artists, with the entrance fees being donated to the campaign.

Across the world, similar events are taking pace for one hundred days. In Tanzania, songstress Nakaaya Sumari was selected last week to be the ambassador of the One Dollar Campaign. The Tanzanian made history by becoming the first East African to be signed by Sony, the second largest recording company in the world, which is also home to Beyoncé Knowles, Alicia Keys and Britney Spears.

Nakaaya says that to her, an African problem is a Tanzanian problem and that she feels concerned about the campaign. She confesses she was delighted to be selected to spearhead the fundraising campaign in Tanzania, and together with many other Tanzanian artists such as Chid Benz, Enoka, Sauda Simba will be holding many concerts across the country to sensitize their people to express solidarity. One such event is to take place at the Mlimani City, on a date yet to be set.

The events, coordinated by the Diaspora General Directorate in the ministry of foreign affairs and the Rwanda Diaspora Global Network, will be taken to all corners of the world and here in Rwanda, a number of events will be taking place in other towns across the country.