'Happy Generation' youth launch anti-genocide ideology campaign

The Youth, under an association called Happy Generation Rwanda (HGR), have launched a countrywide drive to educate the youth on fighting genocide ideology.

Monday, April 18, 2016
Members of Happy Generation Rwanda youth during the walk to remember from Kacyiru to Gisozi Genocide Memorial Centre. (John Mbaraga)

The Youth, under an association called Happy Generation Rwanda (HGR), have launched a countrywide drive to educate the youth on fighting genocide ideology. 

At the launch last weekend, the group organised a ‘walk to remember’ that started from Kacyiru Taxi Park to Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre where they paid tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Speaking at the event, Aimable Ndahayo, the association’s chairperson, said during the week-long campaign, they will approach youths of all levels, explaining the dangers of genocide ideology as it hampers happiness, development, and good governance of the country.

"We are taking special interest in youth who will in turn influence families since a child acquires all habits, whether good or bad from their parents,” Ndahayo said.

Members of Happy Generation in the walk to remember that preceded the launch of campaigns to terminate genocide ideology in youth. (John Mbaraga)

Rachel Uwambaje, a member of Happy Generation Rwanda, said their initiative is part of efforts to sustain gains of good governance in the country.

"Some youth perpetrated the Genocide, but others stopped it, so we are following in the footsteps of those who managed to stop it and restore sanity in our country,” Uwambaje said.

Justin Sande, another association member, said there is need to enlighten youth on government’s policies and values.

The executive secretary of Kacyiru Sector, Patricia Murekatete, said the youth should be change agents.

About 40 cases of suspected genocide ideology across the country were reported to Rwanda National Police during the just-concluded national commemoration week of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

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