very year, on the 7th of April, commemoration of the victims of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi starts. During this period, Rwandans come together to remember as they draw lessons on healing and how to move the country forward.

Career & Skills’ Olivia Kageruka had a chat with some students who shared their thoughts on the country’s healing journey and what they have learnt after 28 years of commemoration.

Annie Sabine Ngoga, 19

Genocide was prepared and put in action by those who believed the Tutsi were not human like them. Over one million people were killed in 100 days; it was the cruellest genocide that has ever happened. But as young people, what we can do in order for the Genocide to never happen again, is to always remember the victims who died, support those who were left in need and tell the consequences of the Genocide .Twibuke Tuniyubaka.

Olivier Ishimwe, 18

As the post-genocide generation, we have to be eager and willing to know about our history and learn from it, following the appeals of our national leaders and what they have taught us, so that what happened never happens again. Everybody has to make this their own, and only promote peace and love.

Oceane Kamikazi, 16

Genocide has ruined many things as we hear and see it. Recently, my friends and I went to visit the Campaign Against Genocide Museum and we were able to see the damage and how the country lost a lot of people, while others fled their country in search of refuge from other countries.  I have to say, among the things that caused the Genocide were the lack of unity among people back then, so we have to embark on unity, love and support each other regardless of differences.

Sam Ngoga, 18

Every Rwandan has faced the consequences of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis in one way or another. Survivors have lost their families, parents and friends, while the perpetrators, some of them are living with guilt for what they did to our country. As we commemorate for the 28th time, we must look at what unites us more than what divides us. We must make awareness of the tragedy our county has been through, as we help our leaders to fight against Genocide denial and ideologies amongst the nation and the whole world at large.

Exode Ishimwe, 15

We are all Rwandans, there is no Hutu or Tutsi, and we have to promote ‘ndi umunyarwanda’ at all levels. If someone comes to us and they try to separate us, we should go against that and tell them we are all Rwandans. As the new generation, we should not give room to those trying to give us signs of how different we are. And if we come across any genocide ideology, we must report to our elders such cases and they educate us better.

Emmanuel victor Mucyo, 17

People looked for something that separates us yet we are really one. As we commemorate the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, let us try to see that we are no different from our fellow colleagues. And even when you see a difference in someone else, see it as strength not a weakness. We have to look for what bonds us and leave behind what can destroy our bond as a nation.