SORAS AG Ltd and SORAS VIE Ltd staff accompanied by the relatives and friends of its former employees killed in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi have visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to remember victims of the Genocide and learn about the Genocide history in order to prevent it from happening again.
This commemoration activity kicked off with a Walk to Remember, then the group toured the museum to learn more about the history of Rwandans before, during and after the Genocide. They also learnt about the role of Rwandans in transforming and rebuilding this country to be a peaceful nation and a role model to other nations.
Giving his remarks, Jean Chrisostome Hodali, Chief Executive Officer of SORAS VIE Ltd, thanked everyone for their contribution in preparation of this commemorative event to honor the lives of former employees who contributed immensely to the vision of SORAS. He also talked about the importance of doing this activity at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
“We normally use to hold such event at the Headquarter of the company. This year, we wanted to come at the Kigali Genocide Memorial for us to spend much more time in paying respects to the victims but also tour the memorial to learn the history. It is important to reflect on our past in order to fight what can lead to genocide ideology,” said Hodali.
Reverend Pastor Antoine Rutayisire, delivered a talk on the importance of remembering the tragedy of Genocide that happened in Rwanda in 1994. Echoing the 23rd Commemoration theme, he reminded people that they should remember to prevent Genocide from happening again and appreciate what has been achieved.
“Remembering transforms one into a grateful person. Remembering helps us reflect and evaluate ourselves. When we know where we come from, it helps us plan for our future,” said Antoine.
The guest of Honor, Justine Hitimana, who represented the National Commission for Fighting against Genocide (CNLG) during the event, thanked SORAS staff for taking time and remember the lives of innocent former employees and others who were killed in the genocide against the Tutsi. She also shared what it means to commemorate.
“By commemorating, we pay respects to the victims of the Genocide and our past teaches us lessons that help us preventing Genocide from occurring again not only in Rwanda but anywhere else in the world. Let us all fight against any divisive ideology and promote best practices to build a united and prosperous country.” said Justine.
As part of the commemoration event, the group laid wreaths on the mass graves where more than 250 000 victims are laid to rest and observed a minute of silence to honor more than a million victims killed in the Genocide against the Tutsi.
