Commemorating Genocide against the Tutsi: Youth Empowerment and Remembrance in Bugesera District

On May 17th, 2024, Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Rwanda and its partners, in collaboration with the Rwanda National Youth Council and Bugesera District, commemorated the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi with a poignant visit to the Nyamata Genocide Memorial Site. This ceremony honored the victims and served as an educational platform for the youth, empowering them as future leaders.

The #Kwibuka 30 event paid tribute to over one million Rwandans who lost their lives during the Genocide against the Tutsi. It emphasized the importance of understanding the historical context and consequences of the genocide. VSO Rwanda was supported by various development partners, including Certa Foundation, Learn-Work-Develop (LWD), Save Generations Organization, Empower Rwanda, Girl’s Leaders Forum, and UMUHUZA Organization.

Over 500 youth participated in the ceremony, engaging in activities that promoted active citizenship and the ownership of leadership roles to prevent the recurrence of genocidal ideologies. As part of their commitment, the youth and partnering organizations supported eight genocide survivors by providing resources for house renovations and livestock, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among the participants.

The partnership between Certa Foundation, VSO, and the various organizations demonstrates the collective effort to engage the youth in preserving the memory of the genocide and building a stronger and more resilient Rwanda. By involving the Bugesera Youth Council, the ceremony aimed to inspire the younger generation to continue the country's transformation and address today's global challenges.

This event not only honored the memory of the past but also looked to the future, emphasizing the role of youth in driving Rwanda's progress and ensuring that the lessons of history are never forgotten.

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