Forty-seven young boys and girls who refused to separate themselves between Hutu and Tutsi when their classroom was attacked by the Interahamwe militia in March 1997, were once again recognised on Saturday, March 18.

The attack happened at Nyange secondary school in Ngororero district on the night of March 18, 1997, barely three years after the genocide against the Tutsi.

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Its perpetrators had crossed back into Rwanda from the DR Congo (then Zaire) where they had fled with their weapons when the genocidal regime was overthrown in 1994.

They stormed the classroom at around 8p.m and commanded the students to separate themselves between the Tutsi and the Hutu.

When the students refused, the interahamwe went outside of the classroom and from there, they threw grenades into the classroom, after which they came back and once again demanded that the students separate themselves.

This time, when the students did not, the attackers opened fire.

Five students were killed on the spot, one more succumbed on his way to the hospital, while others sustained injuries.

The 47 were later made national heroes in the category of Imena. This category recognises people who are reputed for their extraordinary acts for the country characterized by supreme sacrifice, high importance and example.

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A function held on Saturday, March 18 at the Ngororero-based school to remember their act of heroism, brought together various officials, citizens, students and survivors of the attack.

Speaking during the event, Phanuel Sindayiheba, one of the survivors of the attack, said what happened at the school shows that any person can contribute to the building of their country.

"We were young but had been taught about unity and the values of loving and protecting our colleagues,” he said.

Godelieve Mukasarasi, the Vice Chancellor of the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour (CHENO), in a speech she made at the event, called upon Rwandans to have values of Rwandan-ness in their lives, and also teach them to the younger generations.

"May it be very important for us to have these values, and let us also teach them to the children we bring up, our spouses, the people we lead, where we pray from - wherever we are. Let us be people that remember that we are Rwandans,” she said.

"These children (Nyange students) upheld the root relationship we share as Rwandans. They refused to betray Rwandan-ness and accepted to fight evil even when they knew that it would bring them serious consequences,” she added.

Speaking in media interviews, some of the current youngsters that are studying at the school spoke about how their heroic predecessors give them a good example.

"It (their story) teaches me about heroism in life, loving the country and loving people,” said Benita Uwase, a Senior One student.

Her counterpart, Axel Dushimimana, also shared some lessons it gave him.

"It taught me not to fear and to stand on your word. They commanded them to separate themselves but they said we are Rwandans,” he noted.