A National Policy Dialogue: The memory of Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda through Education and Dialogue

The workshop discussed the challenges of remembering and fighting genocide ideology. Panelists like Gisele Hirwa, Jean Leonard Buhigiro, and Dr. Philbert Gakwenzire discussed the evolution of education and genocide remembrance. They highlighted the importance of evaluating advancements and expressing concepts from survivors’ perspectives. The workshop also discussed the challenges of opposing prejudice and denial on social media and educating about the massacre in a foreign language. The workshop recommended using local languages, NGOs, memorial sites, teacher training, and ongoing conversation.

The second session discussed the collaboration between Aegis Trust, Never Again Rwanda, and the UNESCO International Program on Holocaust and Genocide Education, aiming to empower youth and encourage generational discussion about the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi. Marc Gwamaka, Aegis Trust’s International Training and Education Coordinator, highlighted the challenges and achievements in educating young facilitators and initiating conversations about the Tutsi massacre.
UNESCO delegates highlighted the importance of discourse in understanding memory, trust, reconciliation, and peace. They suggested incorporating genocide education into national curriculums and encouraging discourse. UNESCO’s initiatives, including Rwanda’s memorial monument on the World Heritage List, emphasize the role of education in peacemaking.

UNESCO delegates

Joana Murungi the Rwanda Basic Education Board highlighted the importance of education in shaping societal attitudes and values in Rwanda’s post-genocide era. The Rwandan government revised its curriculum, emphasizing communication skills, human rights education, and critical thinking. Project-based learning and mass media campaigns were used to promote inclusivity and peace. Participants discussed challenges in teaching about the Tutsi massacre, proposing intergenerational discussions and new strategies for involving young people.

The Aheza Healing & Careers Center in Rwanda is addressing mental health issues among the survivor population through a multidimensional strategy. The center has helped thousands of people in Rwanda’s 23 districts through programs like forming healing groups and offering expert psychiatric assistance. Its socioeconomic development program targets transgenerational trauma-affected youth, providing them with economic opportunities through partnerships with organizations like Interpeace Rwanda and the Imbuto Foundation. The center emphasizes the importance of community-driven approaches to healing and development, integrating healing with socioeconomic empowerment and promoting debate and education.

Discussion at Aheza Healing and Careers

The centre focuses on healing and assistance through social discourse, education, and mental health, enhancing community resilience and long-term healing. It involves offenders and survivors in communication and healing processes, using performing arts for therapeutic value. Challenges include addressing community problems and survivors’ urgent demands. The Aheza Healing & Careers Center in Rwanda exemplifies a holistic strategy, maintaining accurate historical narratives and providing support.

The representative for the Ministry of Education closes the dialogue by emphasizing the responsibility to educate future generations about racism and hatred, pledging to support inclusion and harmony, citing Rwanda’s resilience as an example for other nations.