The government is considering engaging elderly citizens with proven integrity and experience to help guide the younger generation on issues related to Genocide ideology, unity, and national values. ALSO READ: Experts urge firm measures to avert Genocide ideology perpetuation The initiative seeks to strengthen civic engagement and cultural preservation by connecting Rwanda’s youth with elders who have lived through the country’s historical transformations. According to a recent directive sent to all districts during the month dedicated to unity and resilience, the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) emphasized the need for elders to take an active role in addressing challenges that threaten national cohesion. During a session with the senate committee on social affairs and human rights on October 20, Minister Jean-Damascène Bizimana stressed that elderly citizens should speak truthfully to their children and grandchildren about the country’s past. “Some individuals continue to distort Rwanda’s history by portraying themselves as victims rather than acknowledging the atrocities they committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Such denial and manipulation of truth not only sustain Genocide ideology but also erode cultural values and undermine the moral foundations that hold communities together,” said Bizimana. ALSO READ: Genocide ideology persists through denial, revisionism- Minister Bizimana warns He further said that the plan will be implemented through the unity and resilience forums at local levels, where respected elders will mentor young people based on integrity and moral example. “The elders who will take part in this initiative will be selected based on their values and conduct,” the Minister said, emphasizing that they should serve as role models who inspire honesty, patriotism, and social responsibility. He added that forums will bring together elders with diverse backgrounds, former public servants, teachers, community leaders, and others with valuable life experience. “Their discussions with young people will focus on social challenges, the dangers of Genocide ideology, and the importance of preserving Rwandan culture. The approach is also seen as a preventive measure against radicalization and drug abuse among the youth,” he added. Minister Bizimana noted that the government has also introduced re-education programs for individuals nearing completion of sentences for Genocide-related crimes whereby inmates with just a month left before completing their sentences now undergo intensive lessons on Rwandan culture, unity and reconciliation, civic values, and the fight against Genocide ideology. “We have already seen encouraging results,” he said, noting that many of those who have completed their sentences are now more aware of their past and emerging as positive role models within their communities. ALSO READ: Rwanda to roll-out halfway homes for prisoners on verge of completing sentences Senator Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu welcomed the move, noting that schools can play a critical role in linking elders and youth. “It is acceptable for a history teacher to invite a local elder who witnessed past events to share their testimony. That helps students connect lessons to lived experiences,” he said, adding that such interaction makes history education more credible and engaging. He also noted that many teachers hesitate to discuss Genocide-related topics deeply, due to a lack of confidence. “Allowing elders to contribute can bridge that gap and help students develop a stronger understanding of Rwanda’s past and values,” he noted. He explained that through this program, the country aims to foster open dialogue about sensitive topics like Genocide ideology and issues often avoided in daily conversation despite their lingering influence on society. ALSO READ: THROUGH PICTURES: How Indangamirwa graduation unfolded He also said that the government is also reviewing ways to strengthen Itorero ry’Igihugu at the village level and integrate unity and reconciliation activities into performance contracts (imihigo) of local leaders and civil servants. Senator Sosthène Cyitatire highlighted that Rwanda’s history and culture are inseparable and that teaching both requires honesty and collective understanding. “Before colonisation, Rwandans lived in harmony for centuries without ethnic divisions,” he said, calling for more objective and inclusive history education. Senator Epiphanie Kanziza also emphasized the importance of creating spaces for elders to share their experiences openly at the village, sector, and district levels. ALSO READ: Minister Bizimana calls on youth to lead by example, embrace national values “They hold invaluable knowledge about what happened. Sharing their testimonies not only educates the young but also helps elders heal by contributing to the country’s moral rebuilding,” she said, urging those who can write to document their experiences in books.
