Staff of the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR) Friday visited Kigali Memorial Centre at Gisozi to pay tribute to the Genocide victims who are interred there. Speaking after laying wreaths on the grave of Genocide victims, Eugenia Kayitesi, the executive director of IPAR, noted that commemoration is important to honour the victims, renew and unite for a bright future. “Remembrance helps us to learn from history. Survivors’ testimonies help young generations understand well what happened in Rwanda. During commemoration period, we do not only remember but also visit Genocide survivors to support them,” Kayitesi said. As we commemorate we also seek to amplify the survivors’ voices…we also care for survivors in order to comfort and help improve their wellbeing and healing, she added. Kayitesi, said as researchers, they remained committed to finding out all information that could help the young generation know and draw lessons from the history of Genocide. Alfred Bizoza, the Director of Research at IPAR, urged Rwandans to remain close to survivors, especially during the commemoration period. “Commemoration period is the time to remember, unite and renew. As IPAR staff, during this period we do what we call ‘give back to the community action’ in which we support Genocide survivors,” Bizoza said. On the same day, IPAR staff visited Genocide survivors in Kimihurura, Gasabo District,and gave them assorted food items, including rice, maize flour, cooking oil and sugar. Martha Niyonzima, a survivor, commended the support which she said would go to vulnerable members. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
