SOUTHERN PROVINCE

MUHANGA — Students of the Catholic University of Kabgayi (UCK) have been urged to use their education to act as agents of change in their respective communties.

The call was made by Col. Damascene Sekamana, made the call during a Genocide memorial vigil held at the university premises on Saturday April 25.

Sekamana said, "The Genocide was prepared by the elite and it has to be equally uprooted by the elite of today. The society waits for your role, as future leaders to eliminate Genocide ideology and transform the minds of residents towards development.” 

Fatuma Ndangiza, the Executive Secretary of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC) also echoed these remarks, asking students to promote unity and reconciliation.

She urged the students to document Genocide testimonies and write dissertations on Genocide-related topics as a way of fighting the existing Genocide ideology and denial.

As part of the memorial, the students marched from the university to Kagbayi Memorial Site where they laid wreaths on the graves of Genocide victims.  Fr. Pasteur Anclet, led the memorial mass.

Leaders of the Student Survivors Association (AERG-UCK) noted that the university has been supportive of survivors’ academic endeavors. However, the students said shelter and scholastic materials remain a challenge to some of them.

In response, Ndangiza advised AERG leaders to submit project proposals, in order to seek funds to set up income generating projects.

The university administration donated over Rwf500,000 to the UCK survivors’ association.

At the occasion, local leaders and Ibuka officials consoled Genocide survivors urging them to strive for a better life with hope and courage.

Ends