On 15th July 2023, Kigali Genocide Memorial welcomed Malala Yousafzai who came to pay respects to the more than one million victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. 

The visit began with a viewing of a short film detailing the Memorial’s history and its significance to the survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi then a laying of wreaths on the burial place where more than 250.000 victims of the genocide against the Tutsi are laid to rest. 

Following this, Malala was guided through the exhibits in the museum, learning the history of the Genocide, from the colonial roots of ethnic divisions, through to the horrors of the killings. 

During this visit, Malala who is an Education Activist also had the opportunity to learn about the efforts by Rwandans to rebuild and reconcile after the Genocide and the work of Aegis Trust in Genocide prevention and Peace education in Rwanda. 

To conclude this visit, Malala left a message in the memorial guest book. 

“I pray for lasting peace, harmony, and humanity. It is important to educate ourselves about the tragedies, horrors and genocides of the past so that we don’t repeat history. I send my prayers to those who are still healing.” she wrote. 

Photos of the visit can be viewed here:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/142016030@N02/albums/72177720309786206