“As the child of someone who participated in the genocide, I still face challenges. At times I feel judged for something I had no part in. To other young people, I would say: we should not remain defined by our parents’ actions. We were not part of what happened. Instead, we should reject division and play a role in building a more united country.”
‘I was born in 1995 and did not experience the genocide myself, but its impact has shaped my life. My father was involved and spent 16 years in prison, so I was raised by my mother in difficult circumstances, facing poverty and social isolation. We regularly visited my father in prison, sometimes at the expense of my education.
Growing up, I came to understand the consequences of his actions. There were moments that were painful. I remember as a child a friend being reminded, in my presence, of what my father had done. I felt ashamed.
At 24, I became engaged, but when my fiancé learned about my father’s past, he ended the relationship. This happened twice. It has been difficult to rebuild trust and confidence.
When my father returned home, he struggled to find acceptance. He seemed changed, and we have found it difficult to reconnect as a family. Despite this, I see signs of hope in Rwanda today. Unity among citizens, strong leadership, and programmes focused on reconciliation are helping communities rebuild trust and move forward.
My mother’s savings group has also played an important role. Through saving, sharing the word of God, and supporting one another, members are improving their livelihoods and rebuilding relationships. They have also supported and visited our family, despite our history. I am proud of the progress Rwanda has made. Community initiatives, including savings groups, are helping to restore trust and improve lives. I am also grateful that those who confessed and sought forgiveness were given the opportunity to return home, allowing families like mine to be reunited.
As the child of someone who participated in the genocide, I still face challenges. At times I feel judged for something I had no part in, and seeing my father live in fear is also difficult. Building relationships has not been easy, and this is something I continue to bring before God in prayer.
To other young people, I would say: we should not remain defined by our parents’ actions. We were not part of what happened. Instead, we should reject division and play a role in building a more united country.”
These experiences sit alongside one another in communities where people are working to rebuild trust and live together in new ways.