High attendance of commemoration activities at the NUR

HUYE – More students at the National University of Rwanda (NUR) have this year attended commemoration week activities compared to past years. The University’s main auditorium, the venue for public lectures has been packed to full capacity since the start of the commemoration week, according to a survey done by The New Times. Other activities like drama shows on Genocide and night vigils at the university’s Genocide memorial site have also been well attended. In the previous years, many students took advantage of the commemoration week to return home for a short holiday. Apart from massive attendance, students who talked to The New Times said that genocide ideology that was rife in the past years is waning, judging from the willingness of many students to participate in commemoration activities. “I am here to pay my respects to Genocide victims, I don’t have to be reminded to do so,” said Jeanette Uwamariya, one of the students. Student Genocide survivors who talked to The New Times said that the wrong perception held by many that the commemoration period is only meant for survivors is changing with time. “This is my fifth year at NUR; this is the first time I’m seeing people participate in commemoration activities in such big numbers. This is an indication of a change of heart especially as far as genocide ideology is concerned,” said Assoumpta Kawera. The president of NUR Genocide students’ association, Lambert Uwizeyimana, said that no single case of genocide ideology has been reported since last year. Earlier, the Rector, Professor Silas Lwakabamba, urged the students to embrace the commemoration week activities and help students who would experience trauma. Ends