On 20 April 2016, around 15 students from the Adventist University of Central Africa Masoro Campus visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to remember the victims of the Genocide as well as expand their knowledge about Rwandan history.
The students laid wreaths on the memorial burial place where they also took a moment of silence to commemorate the victims of the Genocide buried in different places around the country. Afterwards, they toured the historical exhibitions.
The students organised the visit in order to learn more about the history of Rwanda, which they said would help them to teach Rwandan history to the next generation.
“Deciding to come here, was for us to expand our level of understanding about Rwandan history. There are many young Rwandans who do not have enough information about the Genocide against the Tutsi. So, what we have learnt will help us to teach them well.”
Concluding their visit, the students said that the time they passed at the memorial was productive because what they have seen improved their level of understanding. This led them to call others to visit memorials as they are the places that give the real picture of the history of Rwanda.
“Visiting here helped me to improve my understanding to a certain level. Those whom were at the same level, I can say that we are no longer at the same level. So, everyone should visit the memorial to confirm what they have been told or read,” said Diane Mushimiyimana, a students from AUCA.
The students also left the message that survivors should work hard to develop themselves and that the community should support them.
“It is hard to miss your parents, children, or others whom you love more. However, we are not back in that time, we have to live differently from the way others should think we can be. You can reach at any level if you work hard,” Diane said.