Rwandan youth from South Africa visit homeland to explore history and heritage #rwanda #RwOT

A group of young Rwandans living in South Africa has visited their homeland for the first time, participating in a 10-day programme designed to educate them about Rwanda's history and development.

The visit, organised under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation's 'Come and See, Go and Tell' initiative, aimed to help Rwandans born or raised abroad connect with their roots and share their experiences with others.

During the programme, the youth toured key historical and cultural sites, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Museum of the Struggle to Stop the Genocide. They learned about the events leading to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the role of the Rwandan Patriotic Front in ending it.

Sixteen-year-old Kazenga Rukundo said the trip gave him a deeper understanding of Rwanda.

'Where we live in South Africa, we don't know much about our country. I came here to learn so I can return with knowledge of where I come from. I will tell others about how safe Rwanda is and how forgiveness was extended to those involved in the genocide â€" it's a lesson other countries could learn from,' he said.

Faith Aisha, another participant, said the visit inspired her to consider working in Rwanda, noting the country's peaceful environment and opportunities for development.

'I am pleased there is peace, no noise, and the atmosphere is welcoming. It's a place I would enjoy working in,' she said.

Lehumo Ivan Umutoni encouraged other Rwandans born abroad to visit the country, saying the experience helped him appreciate Rwanda's culture and history.

'Rwanda is a beautiful and safe country. Everyone who has never visited should take the opportunity to see it,' he said.

The youth will also be assisted in obtaining official Rwandan documents, helping them strengthen their ties with the country.

Maziyateke Sandrine, Director of Rwanda Community Abroad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, described the programme as an important step in connecting diaspora youth to their homeland.

'This initiative helps children of Rwandans born abroad learn about their country and encourages them to share that knowledge with others. We are hopeful that future visits will see even greater participation,' she said.

The 10-day programme includes visits to multiple sites highlighting Rwanda's history, culture, and development achievements.

When the youth were received at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

The youth were briefed on the historical events that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Sixteen-year-old Kazenga Rukundo expressed excitement at visiting Rwanda as his homeland, noting that the trip would help him gain a deeper understanding of the country.

Lehumo Ivan Umutoni said that Rwandans born abroad who have never visited the country are missing out on a lot.

The youth laid wreaths and paid tribute to the victims interred at the memorial.

Following the memorial visit, the youth group leader stressed the importance of preventing a repeat of such atrocities.

The group also visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum.

Murekatete Husna as she took in the view of Kigali city.

Lehumo Ivan Umutoni emphasised that the level of safety in Rwanda is unmatched elsewhere.

Sixteen-year-old Kazenga Rukundo expressed delight at how safe Rwanda is.

The youth were also promised assistance in obtaining Rwandan identification documents.

Photos: Habyarimana Raoul

IGIHE

Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwandan-youth-from-south-africa-visit-homeland-to-explore-history-and-heritage