The Association of Student Genocide Survivors (AERG) marked its 26-year-anniversary on October 20.
With the theme "AERG mu rugendo rw’ubudaheranwa” (AERG on a journey of leaving no one behind), members celebrated milestones taken and commended the association’s support that has seen them endure challenges and build a better future.
The association was formed in 1996 to build solidarity among youths who survived the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
The New Times Phionah Ingabire Mukono caught up with some members who shared their transformation stories and lessons learned about the country’s history since most of them were born after the genocide.
Bill Ndirima, AERG Iwacu
Being in AERG for 3 years is something I am proud of. It means that this is my turn to continue the journey they started and do more by working together. I also gained close friends from AERG. Being in this family encourages me to learn more about my history.
Yannick Rwigema, Coordinator AERG Urumuri
Even though we didn't directly survive the1994 genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda, we come from those who did. That is to mean that we are also facing the consequences. We all should cooperate and work together to build our country and build it ourselves. We remember what happened and learn from it, and we strive to build the Rwanda we want.
Cedrick Ishimwe Gisubizo, AERG Urumuri
Even though we are not survivors directly, we are survivors because our parents are. Because of AERG, we managed to handle problems that occurred when some of our parents were traumatised due to what they witnessed. But because of this family, we were taught love, patience and how to treat people with different problems caused by 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. I am really blessed to have known and joined this family, all I can say is, thank you to all members of AERG family wherever they are and especially the founders of AERG. I am proud to be a member of AERG family and I will always be.
Clever Nshuti, AERG Iwacu
My colleagues from AERG have showed me love and taught me how to love my country. I have learnt how to be responsible and to socialise with people. Even though I wasn’t there to witness the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, joining AERG has given me the courage to know more about the history of my family and country at large.
Julie Munyana, AERG Icyusa
I have been a member of AERG for six years. Being a member of this family means a lot to me. It means understanding my part and role in fighting against genocide ideology. It also means that, regardless of the past, I can still have a family and be happy. This wasn’t the case before, since I didn’t have any uncles, aunties, sisters, brothers, or cousins. But the more I spend time in this family, such thoughts disappear. It really means so much to me.
Alpha Kelly Mulisa, AERG Iwacu
Two years of being a member of AERG have taught me how to live with others, love people and my country and also being responsible. AERG is like my second family. And I have learnt general acceptable values regarding unity and reconciliation.
Thierry Ndagijimana, AERG Wihogora
I have been with AERG for three years. The best thing I gained is public speaking and how to take responsibility in life. This means a lot to me even if I am not a survivor, I stand for them.
Benitha Uwineza, AERG Indatwa
I have been in AERG for 3 years. I learned a lot; before I didn't know why we remember, and I used to think that maybe my history didn’t concern me. But the first thing I learned was that I was wrong. It really helped me know who I am. Secondly, I learnt the importance of love for each other because where there is no love, there is hatred and discrimination that led to the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
Ella Odrine, AERG Muvandimwe
I have been in AERG for 5 years and it means a lot. As a young Rwandan, I have to take care of the survivors as they say in Kinyarwanda kusa ikivi cy’abacu. It also reminds me that I have to work for my country so that genocide can never happen again in Rwanda and make it a better place. Thank you AERG.