This contribution is part of a long-term initiative that began two years ago through a Memorandum of Understanding between MINUBUMWE, Imbuto Foundation, and LIT, which aims to disburse USD1Billion over a ten-year period to promote national unity and civic engagement.
The funds will help strengthen programs aimed at closing the knowledge gap among Rwandans especially the youth and the entire world regarding the Genocide and its aftermath.
One of the primary initiatives benefiting from this support is "Igihango cy'Urungano," a platform that engages young people in discussions about the country's history.
To date, over 8,700 youth have participated in these dialogues, with an additional 19,000 attending virtually. The initiative addresses the lingering impact of the Genocide against the Tutsi on younger generations, particularly those born after 1994, who still grapple with its social and emotional consequences.
Jean-Damascène Bizimana, Minister of MINUBUMWE, stressed the importance of this work, particularly for the youth. "When we do not preserve this history in a more sustainable way, especially for the young generation to learn from, we risk not educating them on our past and give critics a chance to distort our history," Bizimana said.
A significant portion of these donations havesupported the development of the Ntarama Genocide Memorial, one of three key sites, along with Nyange and Murambi, that MINUBUMWE is working to bring to international standards.
Progress at Ntarama includes the completion of designs for visitor pathways, the transcription and translation of ten survivor testimonies, and the preparation of photographs for an upcoming exhibition.
These efforts are part of a larger strategy to elevate Rwanda's memorial centers while ensuring that they remain accessible for both local and international audiences.
Challenges remain, however, particularly with regard to funding the "Garden of Memory" project at Ntarama, which requires additional resources to complete.
MINUBUMWE has developed a comprehensive memorial plan to guide future contributions and ensure that all key projects receive the support they need.
In addition to physical memorials, Rwanda's efforts to preserve Genocide memory have gained international recognition. In September 2024, four of the country's Genocide memorials including Kigali Memorial centre (Gisozi), Nyamata, Murambi, and Bisesero were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, further underscoring their global significance.
Elodie Shami, Director General of Imbuto Foundation, emphasized the critical role of youth in carrying forward the legacy of Rwanda's history. "It's crucial to ensure that this information is preserved and disseminated to the youth, who make up more than 65% of the country's population," she said.
The donation from Liquid Intelligent Technologies is part of a broader effort to ensure the memory of the Genocide against the Tutsi is preserved for future generations, while also promoting national unity and civic responsibility among Rwanda's youth.
On his part, Sam Nkusi, Chairman of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reiterated the company's commitment in supporting the preservation of the memories of 1994.
"Remembering our history is very important. It's not just about the money; it's a duty and responsibility we have as a company and as a people of Rwanda to keep our history alive," he stated.
Sam K Nkurunziza
