When we met Sister Anna Beata Murekatete on the morning of November 7, 2025, she was preparing to distribute copies of her new book, The Genocide Committed against the Tutsi in Rwanda: The Contribution of Benebikira Sisters to the Protection of Victims and the Reconstruction of the Country. The 180-page account chronicles her experiences during one of the darkest chapters in Rwanda’s history, and highlights the crucial role of the Benebikira Sisters in protecting victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and supporting the country’s reconstruction in its aftermath. The book was launched at the Kigali Genocide Memorial on November 6, in front of approximately 200 people, including the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean-Damascène Bizimana. Sister Murekatete – now retired, is a teacher, educator, and religious sister whose life reflects a remarkable intertwining of faith, education, and resilience, revealing how moral courage and collective solidarity can overcome the most unimaginable challenges. Early life and education Sister Murekatete was born in 1951 in Ngera, Nyaruguru District, in the Southern Province of Rwanda. Reflecting on her youth, she recalls that ethnic divisions were not yet pervasive. In my youth, I did not see the things of ethnic division clearly because I was still young and it had not spread everywhere, she said, highlighting how her early environment shielded her from the societal fractures that would later engulf the nation. Her academic journey began at her parish primary school, after which she pursued secondary education at Save in Gisagara for O Levels, and Nyamasheke Parish for A Levels. Despite her diligence and high academic achievement, she faced early obstacles when ethnic discrimination limited opportunities for higher education. After completing secondary school, Sister Murekatete encountered significant obstacles that prevented her from continuing to university, a reflection of the limited opportunities available to educated Tutsi youth at the time. ALSO READ: Genocide survivor: 'My scholarship was rejected several times because I was Tutsi' Deprived of the opportunity to attend university immediately, Sister Murekatete turned to teaching, which became a deeply fulfilling vocation. She spent six years educating young minds before answering a spiritual calling that would forever change her path. Even if you were very smart, you did not have many choices in Rwanda at the time, she noted. I liked teaching. I did mostly educational administration my whole life. I liked being with young people, inspiring them. That was always my passion,” she recalls. ALSO READ: Post-Genocide: The rise and rise of Rwanda’s education system A calling to religious life Sister Murekatete did not initially envision a religious life, growing up as a young girl but she would later encounter what she describes as a calling. When I was a school student, I did not think of it. But as a school teacher, at the age of 26, I felt a calling from God. It is like choosing to marry; it is given. You have many choices about your path, and you must follow it carefully, she explained. In 1978, she joined the Benebikira congregation, known as the ‘Daughters of the Virgin Mary’, a community that became her spiritual home. She recalls her first day in the congregation. The first day I entered the community, I felt I belonged. I was accepted, and I knew I was where I was meant to be,” she says, despite joining at what is considered a late age of 26. The Benebikira community played a key role in supporting her educational journey. In 1981, she enrolled at the National University of Rwanda in Butare (now University of Rwanda), and graduated in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in education. Later, she pursued a master’s degree in educational administration, and pastoral ministry in the United States at Boston College University. This programme allowed her to blend educational theory with spiritual guidance, creating a unique foundation for her professional growth. The combination of these disciplines would go on to inform her approach to leadership and mentorship for decades, shaping the way she guided and inspired others. Leadership and educational contributions Upon completing her studies, Sister Murekatete dedicated herself to the field of education, holding leadership positions for 18 years. She was instrumental in founding Notre-Dame des Anges Primary School in Remera, Kigali – which became a beacon of education and ethical guidance for young people. I worked there for 14 years, she said. Between 2007 and 2021, Sister Murekatete faced health challenges that eventually prompted her retirement, yet her dedication and moral leadership continued to define her life and legacy. Experiences during the Genocide against the Tutsi Sister Murekatete’s book is deeply informed by her experiences during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, when she served as headmistress of Groupe Scolaire Sainte Bernadette in Save, one of Rwanda’s most prestigious schools. As a highly educated Tutsi in a position of influence, she became a target for those perpetrating the violence. I was among the hunted. I had higher education, I was headmistress of a big school, yet I survived through the protection of the Benebikira Sisters, and the grace of God. This survival, by a miracle, is the central theme of my book, she said. From April to July 1994, the convents of Save sheltered around 200 people, including displaced Tutsi, Hutu, and the Benebikira Sisters. Within the walls of the convents, there was no betrayal or separation along ethnic lines. Everyone shared food, comfort, and support, creating a model of solidarity that contrasted sharply with the division and violence outside. After the Rwandan Patriotic Front/Army (RPF/A) took control in July 1994, the Sisters housed and fed 271 survivors while arrangements were made for their safe relocation. “Faith played a crucial role, Sister Murekatete recalled. Even when families were divided along Hutu and Tutsi lines, our community stayed united, which unsettled those who sought to kill us. She highlighted the protective power of solidarity grounded in moral and spiritual discipline. Faith, courage, and solidarity Faith in Sister Murekatete’s narrative is both personal and communal. The Benebikira Sisters collectively refused to discriminate against any individual, regardless of ethnic background. This unity became both a source of strength and a shield against attackers. In our community, no one was discriminated against. We all shared responsibilities according to our abilities. That solidarity saved us, she said. Her book also records acts of courage and self-sacrifice, including nuns who died protecting those seeking refuge. Even if you have to give your own life, it is worth it to protect others. We had Sisters who died with the people they sheltered, she explained, capturing the moral complexity and ethical courage required during those times. The 74-year-old recalled how some nuns chose to remain with the Tutsi crowds rather than abandon them to certain death. They preferred to stay and die. Very miraculous. This is for teaching the next generation. The courage that they show in this book is an inspiration, she said. Motivation behind the book The decision to write the book stemmed from a desire to preserve memory, transmit lessons to future generations, and offer guidance to survivors. ALSO READ: A Genocide that demands the world's conscience Initially planning an article, Sister Murekatete was encouraged by a writer to expand it into a book. After retiring, she dedicated two years from 2023 to 2024 to completing the manuscript. The book was first written in Kinyarwanda and later translated into French to reach a wider audience. As a Christian, I wanted to convey this message: you must remain faithful to the commandment of love. Love God and love your neighbour. No matter the difficulties, stay true to these principles, she said. She also shared her aspirations for a future English edition, which she hopes to publish, if resources allow. Not yet because I'm thinking of the English version, but I have no financial means. I already have French. Now, I have a manuscript in Kinyarwanda but not yet printed. I will have English eventually. I have many dreams. Reflections from the launch During the launch held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Minister Bizimana praised Sister Murekatete’s work as a vital contribution to Rwanda’s historical memory and moral education. He highlighted the bravery of the Benebikira Sisters and their critical role in protecting victims of the Genocide – emphasising that such stories provide enduring lessons for unity, forgiveness, and resilience. The experiences recounted in this book remind us that even in the darkest hours, unity and love can triumph over hatred and division, the Minister said. He encouraged young Rwandans to engage deeply with these narratives, absorbing lessons in moral courage, empathy, and collective responsibility. ALSO READ: How young Rwandans should fight Genocide denial Legacy of the Benebikira Sisters Sister Murekatete’s book brings to light the multifaceted role of the Benebikira Sisters as educators, caregivers, and moral anchors. By providing sanctuary, food, and guidance, the Sisters preserved lives and offered hope amid chaos. Their refusal to segregate or discriminate within their community exemplified moral courage and collective strength. The courage in this book is an inspiration. It demonstrates that when people act with faith, love, and unity, miracles can happen, Sister Murekatete said. A teacher’s perspective on reconstruction After the Genocide, Sister Murekatete turned her attention to education as a vehicle for national healing. She recalls the challenges of working with traumatized children, both orphaned survivors and others grappling with the weight of their parents’ actions during the genocide. The work of education after the genocide was vastly different from now. Children were deeply affected. Survivors had no families, and others carried guilt and anger. Reuniting and guiding them through proper education was a difficult task, but it was completed successfully, she reflected. Her reflections reveal the intricate link between moral guidance, educational mentorship, and post-trauma social reconstruction, demonstrating that rebuilding lives required both practical education and spiritual and psychological care. ALSO READ: Addressing inter-generational trauma among Rwandan youth, 30 years after Genocide Passing on lessons to future generations Sister Murekatete is passionate about ensuring that the younger generation learns from the experiences of survivors. To survivors, we need to write our stories for the young generations. We need to inform them, instruct them with our stories, so they know what to avoid and what to embrace, she said. The book, therefore, is not just a historical account; it is a moral guide aimed at cultivating resilience, courage, and ethical responsibility in Rwanda’s youth. Preserving the voice, reaching many Sister Murekatete continues to hope for broader dissemination of her work. While the book is currently available in Kinyarwanda and French, she plans an English edition, though financial constraints remain. She emphasises that preserving historical memory is an ongoing responsibility. Through her lifelong service in education and the Benebikira community, and now through her book, Sister Murekatete preserves the memory of the genocide, inspires faith and resilience, and guides future generations toward moral clarity and communal solidarity. A life well lived Sister Murekatete’s life stands as a testament to courage, faith, and unwavering dedication. From her early years in education, through the horrors of 1994, to her later work as a teacher, administrator, and author, she embodies the transformative power of faith, community, and learning in rebuilding lives and nurturing hope. Her book serves as both historical record and moral compass, reminding readers of the importance of solidarity, empathy, and ethical leadership. In telling her story, Sister Murekatete ensures that the lessons of the past continue to illuminate the future, offering hope and guidance for generations yet to come.
