Reigning Miss Rwanda Colombe Akiwacu joined the youth in Rwamagana District to pay homage to the children killed in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi on Monday.

Akiwacu, who made history on the night of February 23 after winning the 2014 Miss Rwanda beauty competition, called for full support for the vulnerable children and warned against Genocide ideologies. 

The event was organised by Miss Rwanda in partnership with Unity Family (youth who survived the Genocide), and it was attended by students from different schools and Rwamagana residents.

Also in attendance were several government officials who included the Mayor of Rwamagana District Nehemie Uwimana and the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Children (NCC), Zaina Nyiramatama, among others.

The event started with the Walk to Remember from Rwamagana Memorial Site in Kigabiro sector to Avegor Agahozo hotel, as hundreds of people walked together to remember the victims of the Genocide and comfort the survivors. 

The Walk to Remember was followed by discussions and children were given the chance to ask questions, which included: What is the Genocide? What caused the Genocide? 

Speaking at the ceremony, an emotional Akiwacu emphasised the importance of remembrance as the only way to honour the dead and support the survivors, while taking the nation through a process of reflection and healing.

"We should always remember the innocent people killed in the Genocide and educate the children about the Genocide and its aftermath,” said the nineteen year old Miss Rwanda. 

Akiwacu, who hails from the Eastern Province, highlighted the tremendous progress the youth have played in building a stable and peaceful country.

On April 7, Rwanda marked the 20th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, during which more than one million people were killed.