Every year the Rwandan community comes together to commemorate the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. It’s now 28 years ago when Rwanda’s history was interrupted by the atrocities of the genocide. Families were torn apart, children becoming orphans, mothers watching their children lay their lives down for the country and fathers leaving in the middle of the night. Even today, the memories are still fresh, and the trauma lives on, trenching deep into the society.
As the world remembers the brutality of the genocide, we stand with Rwandans globally in commemorating all the lives lost, hail the dignity of survivors, and echo our commitment to unity, reconciliation and sustainable peace in Rwanda.
Evidence gathered from our close to 20 years of experience depicts that survivors still struggle with mental health and psychological issues from witnessing the gruesome massacres while young people born after genocide also show signs of trauma. Government entities, CSOs, CBOs, FBOs and other development partners have combined efforts through holistic programs and projects to heal the invisible wounds.
At Never Again Rwanda, we established a wellness center, to deliver free psychosocial support and services. At the center, you can talk to a therapist to help you cope with anxiety or learn how to detect anxiety symptoms. Visit https://wellness.neveragainrwanda.org/ to self-evaluate your anxiety/stress level or to book an appointment. During this tough period of #Kwibuka28, we encourage you to seek help.
For the next 100 days, different institutions will hold national and community level commemoration events. We call on all Rwandans, especially youth to participate, upon which they get to learn about their history, reflect on its dire and long-term consequences and adopt strategies to make “Never Again” a reality.
To our friends outside of Rwanda, we encourage you to stand with us during this period. We also call for global solidarity in combatting genocide ideology, denial and hate speech. Take the time to educate yourself on Rwanda’s history and its trajectory as it stands as a testament of a people who have come together to reunite, rebuild and restore hope to the nation.
We all have the duty to work towards building a better, stronger and peaceful Rwanda. Remember-Unite-Renew.