NEWS

Today, on the 4th of May 2024, a delegation from UR College of Education (UR-CE), Rukara Campus, comprising both students and staff, made a solemn visit to the Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial site in Kirehe District. The delegation was led by the Acting Principal of UR College of Education. A similar visit was organized by the delegation from the UR Nyarugenge Campus. This coincidence of the University of Rwanda’s large family members demonstrated a unified commitment to learning from the past and promoting tolerance and understanding.

Upon arrival, the University of Rwanda’s delegations was warmly welcomed by Mrs. Florencine Nyirakamana and Divine Mutuyimana, the staff of MINUBUMWE overseeing the memorial. Both delegations received a detailed briefing on the history of the Nyarubuye area and the Genocide against the Tutsi that occurred there. Particularly striking was the account of the brutality suffered by Tutsi who sought refuge at the Catholic Parish in Nyarubuye, underscoring the gravity of the atrocities committed.

The delegation receiving a detailed briefing on the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Nyarubuye

The delegation had the privilege of hearing the testimony of Mr. Ferdinand Rwakayigamba, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Nyarubuye. His firsthand account provided invaluable insight into the horrors of the genocide, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of remembrance and education.

The delegation hearing the testimony of Mr. Ferdinand Rwakayigamba

Guided by memorial staff, the delegation embarked on a tour of the memorial, where they received explanations about its significance and the stories of those who perished there. They paid their respects to the victims of the genocide laid to rest in the memorial, offering a solemn wreath of flowers as a gesture of remembrance and honor.

The delegation paid respects to the victims of the genocide laid to rest in the memorial

In a message delivered on behalf of UR Rukara Campus and UR Nyarugenge Campus, Prof Florien Nsanganwimana expressed gratitude to the management of the memorial for their hospitality. He emphasized the significance of the visit to the genocide memorial, particularly for the youth, urging them to stand firm against genocide ideology and other forms of division. The message underscored the vital role that education and remembrance play in shaping a future of peace and unity.

Prof.Florien Nsanganwimana, Acting UR-CE Principal while delivering his message to the delegation

As the delegation departed from Nyarubuye, they carried with them a renewed commitment to honoring the memory of the victims and ensuring that the lessons of the past are never forgotten. Their visit serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring hope for a future free from hatred and violence.

Story by

NTIRANDEKURA Schadrac
PRO, UR-CE