The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) Jean-Damascène Bizimana has urged Rwandans, especially the youth, to draw inspiration from the courageous actions of the Nyange student heroes, who stood united against ethnic divisionism, defying the forces of evil. Bizimana made these remarks on Monday, March 18, as Rwandans celebrated the 27th anniversary of the bravery displayed by Nyange students, who, despite being attacked by Interahamwe on the night of March 18 to 19, 1997, refused to succumb to their assailants. The annual celebration commemorates the students' unwavering unity and defiance against the Interahamwe, despite the imminent danger to their lives. ALSO READ: Genocide: Inside school that sheltered Interahamwe fleeing to DR Congo The bravery exhibited by these children in the face of evil, standing firm for national identity, is an indelible testament to the boundless nature of courage. The students of Nyange have bequeathed a legacy of fearlessness, patriotism, and unity for all Rwandans, Minister Bizimana said in his address. While encouraging young people to learn from the history of Nyange, Minister Bizimana also emphasized the importance for parents to glean lessons from the Nyange Heroes for effective child-rearing. It is undeniable that these young students achieved what their elders could not. We must draw from their remarkable example in our daily lives as Rwandans, particularly in educating and nurturing our youth to follow in their footsteps, he added. Among the people who attended the event was Sadi Mutabaruka of Youth for Youth Foundation, who hailed the Nyange students as exemplars for all, irrespective of age. ALSO READ: 25 years later, Nyange remembers gruesome attack, student heroes They were heroes in the truest sense, setting a standard for future generations. The current generation must emulate their unity, which forms the bedrock of our nation's integrity. They chose unity over divisionism, even at the cost of their lives, remarked Mutabaruka. Kevine Umukundwa, a student and member of the Umuco n' Ubutwari Club at Groupe Scolaire Nyange, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of courage and heroism in all endeavors. We learn invaluable lessons from them—courage, fearlessness—and we must urge our peers to emulate such heroic acts, whether for family or country, Umukundwa emphasized. In addition, Umukundwa called for the establishment of more Umuco n’ Ubutwari clubs in various schools and recommended that institutions consider forming similar heroic and unity clubs for adults in their respective communities. Meanwhile, Immaculata Mukanziye, 74, mother of Marie-Chantal Mujawamariya, one of the Nyange student heroes, asserted that their sacrifice and bravery should be enshrined in history books worldwide. During that time, there was no distinction between Tutsi, Twa, or Hutu; we lived together in harmony. Their story should be shared not only across Rwanda but throughout the world, for generations to come, Mukanziye emphasized, recounting the ordeal faced by her daughter and her unwavering courage in the face of danger. She witnessed countless gunshots fired by the Interahamwe, yet she remained unafraid. Their heroism will forever be remembered.
