70% of Rwandans are under the age of 30.
You read that correctly.
7 out of every 10 people in Rwanda is a young person.
Most are orphans.
I have had a place in my heart for Rwanda, her people, her land and her endangered Mountain Gorillas since I was 8 years old. That is when I first heard about Dian Fossey and her work with the ‘Gorillas in the Mist.’ In 2008 I got the opportunity to go to Rwanda – the fulfillment of a 20 year dream.
I’ve read the books and seen the movies about the genocide. If you ask about it, I can talk all day on the subject. I’ve attended talks, coordinated and emceed genocide commemoration events and helped sell products to support youth in Rwanda.
But the genocide didn’t become reality until I was there.
On the soil.
Seeing the faces.
Reliving the events through their eyes.
Seeing the daily reminders that Rwandans live with.
It wasn’t until I met Jean-Pierre (a genocide survivor), saw a monthly community meeting and the distinctive pink prison uniform of the convicted genocide perpetrator that the true nature of what happened was driven home. It also made me realize how vitally important it is for young people to learn lessons of forgiveness, reconciliation and global citizenry to ensure that ‘Never Again’ becomes truth.
Stephen and I volunteered with the Rwandan youth work charity, rYico, for 3 years while we lived in the UK. We had the pleasure of travelling to Rwanda in 2008 to deliver youth worker training in Kigali. We delivered the training to eight youth and social workers from across the capital. The training was held at Centre Marembo, a vocational and youth center run by rYico. Centre Marembo provides education, nutrition and vocational training for youth on streets of Kigali.
A few things you may not know about Rwanda
Did you know that to be a recognized youth center in Rwanda you have to house at least 30 homeless youth? At Umugongo House, rYico houses 30 boys. Boys are relatively easier to help than girls. Girls are often nearly invisible, forced into service in a house or as part of sexual exploitation. Fortunately, rYico has recently been awarded a grant to start a girls project.
Did you know that a monthly community service time is mandatory for all Rwandan citizens? One Saturday a month, the entire country works on projects to improve the local community. They build schools, clean the streets and much more. It is part of the wider reconciliation efforts to promote unity and community in Rwanda.
Did you know that every year, there is an International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Rwandan genocide? Rwandans commemorate by lighting candles and sharing their stories of loss and survival.
Did you know that Rwanda has a plan called Vision 2020 to be free of foreign aid by the year 2020? Rwanda is moving forward. It is remembering the past and pressing on towards a bright future. It is a beautiful country, rich in culture both musically and through dance. The landscape can take your breath away as you look out over the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills.’
Resources to learn more about Rwanda
If you would like to know more about the genocide and survivor stories you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial website. Please be aware there are graphic images.
We also had the privilege to visit a church, which is working to build a hospital in Kigali. You can learn more at onehundreddays.org.
Finally, an incredible article about Senator Dallaire (former Commander of the UN Peacekeepers during the genocide) and the Aegis Trust, which is working to end genocide throughout the world.
Interested in visiting Rwanda? Everyone should – it’s amazing!
