German Cultural Center boosts open public debate

On Thursday, Goethe-Institut, the German Cultural Center in Kacyiru, hosted the third BrainS TORM round table discussion addressing a crucial contemporary subject.The theme was “Curses and Blessing of Migration,” in which the guest speakers Ndoba Gasana and Théodore Simburudali, discussed issues that arise after what was dubbed “The Future of the Past” and the “unAFRICANness?”Gasana is the former president of the Human Rights Commission in Rwanda, whilst Simburudali is the president of Ibuka-an umbrella group of Genocide survivors. Also on the list was Marie Immaculée Ingabire, the chairperson of Transparency Rwanda, though she failed to attend.There is hardly any country for which immigration has become such a major component of its recent history as is the case of Rwanda. Since the late 50s the country has witnessed numerous waves of emigration, later of immigration, and the process is still going on.Thursday evening, the panel members and the audience discussed the cultural implications and consequences of these resettlements as well as negative and, if they exist, positive consequences.The debate started at 6:30pm at the Goethe office and it was attended by a handful of people. Although, the discussions were mainly held in French, English-speaking people also shared their views in the interesting debate.Dr. Peter Stepan, director Goethe-Institut in Kigali, told The Sunday Times, that Goethe-Institut introduced BrainS T O R M because there seemed to be lack of open debate in public life in Rwanda.“We also observed that even students, for example, often hesitate to have their say and are not courageous enough to express their opinions and feelings. In other African countries emotions are expressed more freely. The Goethe-Institute’s BrainSTORM series offers a platform of open public exchange,” he said.Dr. Stepan explained that the objective of this particular night is to pave the way for new thinking, to encourage open hearted discussion, and to overcome the prevailing silence in the public discourse. “We offer to approach subjects concerning everybody’s life some of which might even be taboo. But handled with appropriate sensitivity and diplomacy, there is no subject that can’t be addressed,” he said.According to Dr. Stepan, the profound suffering of so many emigrants in the last 50 years is certainly what we could be called a “curse” of migration. “On the other hand the contribution of returnees to Rwanda’s development and modernisation is considerable: many of them have studied abroad, have gained professional qualification, or come back with high profile business experience,” he said.Dr. Stepan added that: “They also contribute to Rwanda’s linguistic diversity and their connectivity in the international network of culture and economy.”Is Rwanda in need for emigration? In his argument, Simburudali said that there was no comparison between Rwanda and countries such as Canada. “There are many professors who come to our local universities with expertise, which is good. It is not only a transferring of expertise; it is also a transfer of goods and resources,” said Simburudali.“Some Rwandans left the country during the 1994 Rwanda Genocide against the Tutsi and later on they come back with new ideas and experiences. But, nowadays, some people, especially the youth leave the country and don’t return,” he added.Simburudali explained that unlike Canada, Rwanda is very small; immigration into the country is not too simple. “Rwanda is in need of experts – for example, Rwanda needs 4000 English teachers, but only 500 are available. The country’s economy is also in need of professionals. Rwanda is a small country unlike Canada, so the competition is pretty big,” he added.Will Fabre, a Belgian living in Rwanda, said: “A human being is a migrant. Human beings started from a very long time ago. Then he started building houses – then walls. Then he started stealing his neighbour’s wife and then societies and states were created and suddenly it was about stealing land. Migration is defined by countries, in Rwanda well-educated people leave, for example, to America.”Internationally displaced personAlice Rwamasirabo, who always considered herself as an internationally displaced person, said: “Whenever I get to a new country, I try to take one or two positive things, and I try to give one or two positive things.”“I grew up in a foreign country and when I was 5, I started school and other children would touch my skin and hair – so I used to think that being a Rwandan was an insult. One day I told my mother about it, but she said, no, it’s not an insult – that’s who you are,” recounted Rwamasirabo. “So from then the fears of being perceived and looked at strangely faded and I accepted that people are curious about me. Now, I am glad, if they want to touch my skin, and I am glad about that whole experience,” Rwamasirabo added.Hope Azeda, Artistic director of Mashirika Theatre, Rwanda, noted: “When you leave your country, you disconnect with your roots.” She recollected: “I was born in Uganda but later returned to Rwanda. I grew up hiding my true identity. And when I returned to my country, I was also regarded as a foreigner. But at least I can finally say; I am a Rwandan and proud of it.”Global village During the debate, Dr. Stepan doubted whether the picture of roots really mattered, since human species spread by migrating only, not by staying in one place only; firmly fixed to the ground.“Personally, I am glad to be a migrating worker. I am feeling comfortable in Rwanda and if somebody asks me where my roots belong, I would answer them that: I AM NOT A TREE,” said Dr. Stepan.Two young Rwandans from the Diaspora, who participated in the debate, said they did not see any problem with migrating, since people get the opportunity to learn new skills and experiences, among other important things.They added that with the availability of technology, people are now able to keep in touch with their families and friends wherever they are in the world.Another debate will be held on Thursday, May24 starting at 6.30 pm at the Goeth- Institut in Kacyiru. The topic will be “The Role, Limits, and Responsibility of the Arts in Reconciliation”: The example of an ex-child soldier theatre project.