The Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, has called for sustained efforts to raise a generation free from genocide ideology, emphasizing the role of schools in instilling unity, integrity, and mutual respect.
He made the remarks during the Ministry of Education’s commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, where participants also paid tribute to 77 former staff members killed during the Genocide.
The victims once served in key education institutions, including the former ministries in charge of primary and secondary education, higher education, research, and culture, as well as affiliated agencies.
Nsengimana said the commemoration was a moment to honor educators, researchers, and students whose lives were cut short despite their aspirations to contribute to national development.
“They were individuals with dreams—teachers, researchers, students—committed to building their country, but the Genocide took their lives,” he said.
He warned that Rwanda’s history demonstrates how education was once misused, noting that some of those who planned the Genocide were among the educated elite.
“That history obliges us to remain vigilant and ensure genocide ideology never resurfaces in our schools,” he stressed.
The minister reaffirmed the sector’s responsibility to preserve historical truth while shaping learners with strong national values.
“We must teach the truth and instill unity, integrity, and respect so that schools serve not only as centers of knowledge but also as spaces for building responsible citizens,” he added.
Nsengimana also commended Genocide survivors for their resilience and central role in rebuilding the country over the past three decades, describing their contribution as foundational.
He further paid tribute to the former Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) Inkotanyi for stopping the Genocide, urging all Rwandans—especially the youth—to reject denial and distortion and uphold the values of Rwandanness.
Speaking on behalf of IBUKA, Dr. Vincent Ntaganira conveyed condolences to families who lost their loved ones, particularly those linked to the education sector, acknowledging the emotional weight of the commemoration period.
He encouraged survivors to remain resilient, urging them to confront life’s challenges with strength and determination, and to continue striving for a hopeful future.
