Kenya students are currently on a three-day visit in Rwanda. Yesterday they visited the Kigali Memorial Centre, Gisozi saying the purpose of their visit is to bring a message of hope.   

The group of 57 students from Daystar University is part of the Sing Africa Choir which is in the country to spread the message through music and dance.

Representing Christian Life Assembly (CLA), the group’s host church, George Shimanyula explained that the students needed to visit the centre to understand the history of the country.

"They are here to bring a message of restoration and this can only be done if they fully understand what took place here. This way they will be able to contribute to the restoration of hope and take part in the reconciliation process,” Shimanyula pointed out.

The university’s Christian Fellowship chairman, Gilbert Ngaira, remarked that this was an informative trip for the students whose country experienced tribalism during last year’s post election violence.

"We brought the students here to help them understand what cultural differences can end up in. We also wanted them to experience the country Rwanda has evolved to be so that they understand what hope can bring,” said Ngaira.

"Despite the obvious political, social and economic devastation the country experienced in 1994, Rwanda is now a new country and an example not only to us but the entire Africa”.

The group’s chairperson, Catherine Mutonga, explained that the Rwanda visit will leave the students both drained and motivated to speak out against tribalism so as to bring unity and hope to Africa.

"Our visit to the memorial centre is an eye opener considering what Kenya went through in 2007. It is amazing to know that people survived the genocide...this is our message to Rwandans; there is hope,” said Mutonga.

Meanwhile, Ngaira urged Rwandans to face the future head on saying that there is hope that the country will grow past its loss.

Sing Africa was founded in 1996 in Daystar University with an aim of spreading the word of hope in Africa.

They have already been to Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi and most recently Burundi where they preached hope, restoration and reconciliation.

The group is scheduled to visit the Nyamata Memorial site and the CLA-founded Mercy Homes before leaving for Kampala Friday morning.

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