Liquid Intelligent Technologies gave a cheque of Rwf $100,000 (over Rwf 110 million) to the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) and Imbuto Foundation for the digitalisation of the memory of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in 1994. The pledge is part of a 10-year deal between them, MINUBUMWE, and the Imbuto Foundation to help preserve Genocide memorials in the country. As part of the agreement, Liquid Intelligent Technologies will continue to donate $100,000 annually to support this cause. The cheque was handed over at the head office of MINIUBUMWE in Kacyiru on Friday, April 28. Minister Jean-Damascene Bizimana commended Liquid Intelligent Technologies for its support during the signing ceremony. He also revealed that the digitalisation of Genocide memorials will start in three sites and will eventually extend to other memorials throughout the country. “The project aims to preserve the history of the Nyange, Ntarama, and Murambi Genocide memorials by providing visitors with electronic access to all information through videos and audio. This will enable people to visit these memorials without the need for a guide. The action is set to begin at the aforementioned sites,” he said. According to Bizimana, the agreement for the project was signed last year, and since then, they have been collecting data to ensure its successful implementation. The data collection process involves gathering available information, including testimonies, pictures, and information about trials, among other relevant data. By doing so, they aim to have a better understanding of the situation and ensure that the project is executed effectively. Imbuto Foundation’s Director-General, Sandrine Umutoni, said their recent partnership aligns with their youth empowerment programme. The foundation aims to equip young Rwandans with the necessary information and tools to fulfil their responsibilities as future productive and active citizens, ensuring they are well-informed and equipped to contribute positively to the nation’s growth and development. “The reason we are joining this partnership is because we believe that if young people do not understand where they are coming from they are bound to repeat the mistake of the past and help them to understand the country’s history,” she explained. Umutoni also pointed out that digitisation will make the preservation of memory more sustainable and tap into the abilities of young people to use technology to empower themselves with information. Speaking at the occasion, Sam Nkusi, the chairman of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, said that digitalising history is also in line with preserving it and also helping young people in remembering as well as rebuilding. “The documentation and preservation of the memory of Genocide against the Tutsi have been Rwanda’s priority to make ‘never again’ a reality in the country and beyond, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies wants to stand with Rwanda through this initiative that is dear to everybody’s heart,” he said. He added that digitising it will also be a good opportunity to help the next generations learn the country’s history. Nkusi also pointed out that there is good progress so far and the expected outcomes will be achieved since there is a will and there is also capacity. Liquid Intelligent Technologies’s initiative will help in collaborating on research and documentation regarding the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and its history and consequences. This will help facilitate the implementation of programmes related to civic engagement and promote Rwandan cultural values among the youth, among other benefits.
