On the evening of April 10th 2015, Rwandese students in Iowa studying at Buena vista university, Briar Cliff university and Dordt College met in Storm lake Iowa with the aim of honoring the over one million victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi as well as demonstrating a firm stand against Genocide.
The memorial that took place at Buena vista University, started with a prayer led by the school chaplain followed by the lighting of the light of hope which led the students into a walk to remember and honor the beloved ones who lost their lives. The Rwandese students were joined by some of their good friends and school authorities. Mrs. Rachel Black, one of the American friends who attended, stated that “it is quite a privilege for me to be part of this and to have learnt a lot more about the history of Rwanda. My heart broke for the genocide that happened. I am honored to walk with my Rwandese friends as we remember their beloved ones who lost their lives in the 1994 genocide”.
The fifteen minutes’ walk was followed by a moment of silence and the attenders lighted their candles as a symbol of hope and a pledge of supporting the slogan NEVER AGAIN genocide in Rwanda or anywhere else in the world. The attenders watched a documentary (Rwanda: Do scars ever fade) that shed a light on the causes of the genocide and the life of survivors after the genocide.
Thereafter, Ms. Mireille Ishimwe shared a touching testimony full of hope about the story of her family where she emphasized the importance of holding on to life as long as you still have a soul. Nadia Ecyomuhendo, Kelly Kwizera and Yvan Uwihanganye performed the poem “Before April Ends” written by a survivor called Bamurange Gratia as she longs to see for one last time her beloved that the genocide took from her.
The night ended with a word from the school chaplain, Reverend Ken Meissner who shared a message of hope and forgiveness as he prayed for all the Rwandese students that they may be carriers of God’s light and love wherever they will go. All in all, it was a night to learn and remind ourselves that as the new generation, we are the change that our society needs to eradicate all sorts of discriminations, injustice and impunity and together sustain hope, love and transparence.
Sent By Nadia Ecyomuhendo
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