HUNDREDS of youth from Gashora sector in Bugesera, on Saturday, convened in Biryogo cell to clean genocide memorial, where over 5000 victims are buried. The activity was part of a special community service organised by National Youth Council in collaboration with Bugesera District ahead of the 24th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi due to start on April 7. Residents were joined by students of Gashora Girls Academy and New Explorers Girls Academy, Humura Rwanda for peace club among other youth, National Youth Council staff, district officials as well as members of security organs. During the service, youth cleaned Gashora genocide memorial located in Biryogo cell, cutting grasses surrounding the area and greening its compounds. They also renovated a house for a genocide survivor Marie Claire Nyirahabimana who said such an activity strengthens her during commemoration period. Robert Mwesigwa the executive secretary of the National Youth Council commended the youth, noting that youth today should differ from the ones who were misled into taking part in the genocide. He commented Saturday’s service as a sign of patriotism among young generation whose vision should be more supportive to the development of the country. He advised youth to be vigilant, saying this is a time genocide perpetrators and deniers spread genocide ideology messages through various channels especially social media. Emmanuel Nsanzumuhire, the mayor of Bugesera District, urged youth to be more supportive to genocide survivors and orphans and attend organised commemoration events linked to forthcoming mourning period. On April 11, Gashora sector will pay tribute to the victims and on the same day give decent burial to remains of four genocide victims retrieved recently. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
