Ndi umunyarwanda has significantly contributed to current reconciliation among Rwandans.

Fidele Ndayisaba, the executive secretary of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission said this while presenting the 2013/14 annual activities report and action plan for the year 2015/16 to Senate’s Standing Committee on Political Affairs and Good Governance, on Monday.

"We are on course in reconciliation, our recent countrywide research showed that we stand at 92.5 per cent mostly due to Ndi umunyarwanda,” said Ndayisaba.

He said the challenge is that the commission relies on local leaders in districts and teachers to spread the Ndi umunyarwanda message yet they have their priorities.

"We have the challenge of convincing local leaders and teachers to include these lessons among their priorities,” he said.

He noted that the programme has, however, encouraged many people to come out and speak about what happened during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi openly.

The commission works hand in hand with religious leaders to teach their followers.

It also works with Rwanda Correctional Services to sensitise inmates especially those about to finish their sentences in order to prepare them to reintegrate in society.

Ndi umunyarwanda sensitisation programmes take place even in Diaspora in countries, where there are many Rwandans, using embassies to reach them.

Bishop (rd) John Rucyahana, president of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission said there is need to step up sensitisation efforts in the Diaspora.

He also criticised some researchers on genocide who seem insensitive while meeting locals.

An initiative from the YouthConnekt dialogue and launched by young Rwandans, Imbuto Foundation, Art for Peace and the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, the ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ initiative was aimed at helping Rwandans, especially the youth, openly talk about their history, repent, forgive, and heal.

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