Back to Our Roots – 1994 Commemoration of Genocide
Back to Our Roots Archive
The Commemoration of the 30 years Anniversary of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsis in Rwanda!
We were delighted to see so many people from the 5 corners of the UK to come the 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Genocide survivors came together to tell their stories that they wanted to share with the Bedford community.
Thank you to all of our speakers, Didas Mugisha (Rwandan), Naila (Rwandan), Andrew Wallis (Academic, author and a journalist), Marie Chantal Uwamahoro (genocide survivor), Olivier Nzaramba ( singer & genocide survivor), High Commissioner of Rwanda to the UK- His Excellency Johnston Busingye, the Lord -Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Mrs Susan Lousada and Eric Masih, Chair of Trustee of QPCO.
This was followed by lovely food and great camaraderie in the courtyard of the Higgins Bedford. A big thank you for letting us use the space for the event. Another big thank you to the QPCO Team and volunteers to make this event a success.
This project is not finished yet. If you wish to hear a genocide survivor, please get in touch by emailing us admin@qpco.org.uk. We are looking to visit a few schools in Bedford in June / July 2024 and this presentation would be ideal for sixth form assembly.
It is very important for these stories to be told and Kwibuka (means ‘to remember’ in Kinyarwanda) calls on the world to stand against genocide in three Key ways:
To remember-Honouring the memory of those who died. Offering support to those who survived.
To Unite: Rwanda shows that reconciliation through shared human values is possible. We ask the world to do the same.
To renew: As we build Rwanda anew, we are humbled to share our experiences and learn from others.
