On Thursday June 16, the Injishi family, who are members of the association of students who survived Genocide (AERG), and who are currently attending the Kigali Independent University (ULK), visited Kigali Genocide Memorial to remember their families and loved ones who were killed in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda.

The family began their visit by laying wreaths on the mass graves, which are the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide. They also observed moment of silence to remember and pay respects to their own lost families and friends. The family of students also toured the memorial’s exhibition to learn more about the causes and consequences of the Genocide, as well as the importance of fighting Genocide ideology.

“Visiting the memorial helps us to understand the true history of what happened in Rwanda in 1994, this way we can prevent it from ever happening again. We need to do this together as Rwandans, for our parents, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters and friends who were killed during the Genocide.” Jonathan Muranashyaka, father, Injishi family, AERG.

“I know that parents and other people who were old in 1994 Genocide against Tutsi know well the history of what happened. So, the Rwandan youths have to know that our big responsibilities include teaching our young brothers, sisters, other people in the world including the deniers about the clear information of genocide in terms of its causes and consequences. This will help us in preventing genocide from happening again as well as fighting against genocide ideology.” Claude Hatungimana, AERG Coordinator, Kigali Independent University (ULK).

About AERG:
AERG is an association of students who survived Genocide against Tutsi. After the Genocide, student survivors were put into groups with homes which are where their new families. Some of them choose to adopt the roles of fathers, mothers or children in order to help them build their new homes.