Students and members of staff of Tumba College of Technology (TCT) and residents of Rulindo District on Friday gathered to pay homage to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. 

The event, which was part of 20th commemoration, was preceded by a Walk to Remember that stretched five kilometres before they gathered at the college’s hall. 

Tumba College is located in Rulindo District and it is also known as the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPTRC-North). 

Addressing the mourners, Northern Province governor Aime Bosenibamwe challenged the youth to make use of the prevailing good leadership to build a prosperous nation. 

"We want our youth to work toward the country’s development which is based on the philosophy of ‘never again’. It is our collective role to offer proper guidance to build a better nation,” said Bosenibamwe. 

Prove genocedaires wrong

The governor said it was good for Genocide survivors to remember while working and renewing themselves. 

"Genocide planners wanted to annihilate all the Tutsi and those who survived to remain destitute… they never succeeded. As survivors, it is important that you work hard to develop yourselves to put to shame those who wished for you to remain destitute,” Bosenibamwe said. 

Felix Nsanzabaganywa, a genocide survivor and representative of student survivors at the college said there is a strong hope of a better future. 

"We remember our slain loved ones but we have hope for renewal. We have achieved a lot and overcome most of the difficulties. We are optimistic of a better future, thanks to the continuous support from government,” Nsanzabaganywa said. 

Eng. Pascal Gatabazi, the TCT principal, thanked the Rwanda Patriotic Front for having stopped genocide and urged the survivors at the college to be strong while commemorating and remembering their departed relatives.