Mineduc commits to fighting Genocide denial, ideology

The Minister for Education, Prof. Silas Lwakabamba, has urged educationists to play an active role in fighting Genocide ideology and denial as the country marks the 21st anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Lwakabamba was speaking, on Friday, during an event to remember 77 employees killed during the 1994 Genocide. He said the ministry last year commemorated 63 former staff members, but 14 more were discovered this year and the research continues to identify more. “As we pay tribute to the Genocide victims who worked for the Ministry of Education (Mineduc) and its affiliated agencies, let us commit ourselves to uprooting Genocide ideology, denial and revisionism,” he said. The State Minister in charge of Primary and Secondary Education, Olivier Rwamukwaya, outlined some of the policies that have been put in place to promote inclusive education, as opposed to the practice in the run up to the Genocide, where education was a privilege for some at the expense of other Rwandans. “The ministry has developed the new curriculum which entrenches unity and peace in primary and secondary schools. The new curriculum has, among others, courses on genocide prevention and promotion of Rwandan values,” Rwamukwaya said. Speaking about the current status and measures to fight Genocide denial, Dr John Rutayisire, the Chairperson of the National Commission for the Fight against the Genocide, said there should not be any distinction between a Genocide denier and a perpetrator. “Genocide deniers are everywhere and the danger they pose is clear to everyone but truth will certainly triumph,” he said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Mineduc commits to fighting Genocide denial, ideology