Raina Luff, a beloved educationist and former lecturer at the University of Rwanda and Institut Catholique de Kabgayi, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, aged 91. Those who knew the deceased say that she played a crucial role, especially in educating and training legal professionals at the former National University of Rwanda (now University of Rwanda) and Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) where she taught the school's first cohort. In 2006, she founded Muhanga-based Ahazaza Independent School, in Southern Province, becoming its first director. Luff, who had duo Belgian and British citizenship, died at a Belgian hospital, according to sources. She lived in Muhanga where she was still involved with her school before she left the country to seek treatment earlier this year. Played 'pivotal role in developing Rwanda's legal fraternity' Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, is among those who have paid tribute to the Italy-born educationist. “Mrs. Luff made significant contributions to the teaching and training of legal professionals in Rwanda. She joined the then-National University of Rwanda during a critical period when there was a notable shortage of teaching staff, he told The New Times. He added that Luff was “known for her rigorous training methods, adding that she always expected the best from her students, particulalry those she supervised in their dissertations. The minister, himself a former lecturer who served as dean of the Law School at the National University of Rwanda, said Luff will be fondly remembered “for her pivotal role in developing the legal fraternity” in Rwanda. Jean-Baptiste Hategekimana, the Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies at ICK and a member of the Executive Committee of Ahazaza, described Luff as “a very important person to the Rwandan community.” “She was critical to Rwanda because she taught law at UR and political science at Institut Catholique de Kabgayi,” he said. “She is the founder of Ahazaza Independent School, which is among the first Cambridge schools in Southern Province.” A champion of justice, human rights Hategekimana also talked of Luff’s dedication to justice and human rights and her passion for helping the needy. “She fought for justice and human rights. She was the voice of the voiceless. She used to support the poor and ensured that, at Ahazaza school, the bright students from vulnerable families would get scholarships.” Luff was born in 1933, to a Bulgarian father and an Italian mother. She pursued her education in Italy, UK, and France, eventually specialising in international and criminal law. 'Her work will inspire generations' She first came to Rwanda in 1995 on a UN assignment, where she actively worked with government officials in rebuilding the judicial systems and institutions after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. According to ICK sources, the deceased was known for her unwavering commitment to education, justice, and human rights. The acting head teacher of Ahazaza Independent School, Flavien Muhire, eulogised the school's founding director saying, Ms Luff's contributions to legal education and the practice of law in Rwanda have left and indelible mark on the country, according to ICK News, a student newspaper. Her work will continue to inspire generations to come. Her friends say she leaves behind an inspiring legacy that touched countless lives in Rwanda.
