“Remember – Unite – Renew”
Dear Fellow Citizens, during this significant period of reflection on the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, we have a singular message for all of us: United in Remembrance, United in Action! Let us come together during Kwibuka 31 to honor the past and reaffirm our commitment to a future of solidarity and peace. – Purpose Rwanda
In addition to the insightful remarks already shared, Purpose Rwanda aims to speak specifically to the youth: the future families and leaders of our community at every level. This future is rooted in the strong foundation built over the past 31 years since the Genocide Against the Tutsi. The principles of forgiveness and reconciliation have been instrumental in shaping Rwanda during this transformative period. It is imperative that we fully embrace these values, allowing them to flourish in our hearts. We must actively teach these ideals to the younger generation, empowering them to ensure their sustainability and lead us toward a brighter future.
Unity is like medicine for our health, food for our growth, and water for our many needs. We must cultivate peace within ourselves, between individuals, within families, and throughout our communities. Peace is a treasure that must be safeguarded to grow, flourish, and be intentionally promoted. Everyone needs peace, and we are the authors of our own peace. It is the unity we embrace that fosters peace, serving as critical infrastructure in our fight against and rejection of genocide ideology.
Young people, Purpose Rwanda urges you to reject any beliefs, values, or narratives that foster division and incite social and political manipulation. Instead, confront these divisive narratives and strive to live in the unity that we are meant to embody. By adopting this approach, unity and peace will continue to flourish organically, allowing Rwanda to thrive and ensuring that your future endeavors prosper. It is essential to invest in positive thinking around unity and peace in our hearts, and in the family as we combat the genocide ideology that has been discussed so frequently since April 7, 2025, and in the years before.
We strongly urge you to reject any ideology that promotes genocide. Such beliefs bring nothing but suffering and despair, leaving individuals with deep-seated bitterness, frustration, and confusion. Embrace humanity instead; The path of understanding and compassion benefits us all.
Dear young people, especially as we remember the over one million Tutsi who tragically lost their lives, it’s important to stand together in unity, resilience, and remembrance while acknowledging the pain that is associated to our history. Honor the lives that were innocently lost and recognize the enduring strength of the survivors within our community. They need all of us during this defining moment and in the times ahead of us as a people.
During this period, let’s use this moment to:
- Honor the Historical Foundation of this Moment: The candle we light in memory of souls lost too early brings pain, which requires us to stand shoulder to shoulder to carry this sorrow in a united manner. Together, we can ensure the memories of those we lost remain in our hearts and minds and acknowledge the importance of compassion and understanding. Young people, compassion is not taught in school, but our history should enable this value to grow deeper and stronger within our hearts and lives.
- Build Resilience through Togetherness: Let this idea grow in our heart and mind: Whenever we stand together in unity, we succeed in overcoming the deepest scars of our time. Unity will always turn our past into an opportunity to build a strong support network that uplifts each one of us from despair. Always nurture the aspect of unity and togetherness. In this way, we can heal better, thrive, and create a brighter future for ourselves and future generations. As young people, ensure that you build resilience together, leaving no one behind; know that each one of you is a piece of what makes Rwanda stronger and more united.
- Shape a Shared Vision for the Future: As young people, stay united and envision a future influenced and managed by love and understanding rather than hate. Be purposeful about the future; a future where injustice and the horrors of 1994 are never repeated. It is important to appreciate that our commitment to unity today will plant the seeds of peace and reconciliation for future generations. A shared vision means being united wherever you are and in whatever you do today for the good of one country; Rwanda. Investing in a shared vision is a strong pillar for socio-economic development. Young people should always seek guidance in the process of shaping a shared vision for the future. Do not allow yourselves to be manipulated by anyone whose intent is to divide you.
- Empowerment through Diversity: Each young person has different stories, genders, religions, voices, and opinions. This diversity enriches our collective identity. The differences in our identities should be seen as opportunities to forge a path toward collaboration and inclusivity. Unique diversity; whether it’s one’s story, voice, or ideas should bring young people together and enable them to use these various forms of diversity as strengths and unifying elements. In short, unique identities should serve as a force of unity against any ideology of genocide. The most crucial lesson for young people is to embrace our shared humanity in pursuit of a common destiny: one country, united as one people. This vision is not only positive; it is within our reach. Together, we can build a brighter future, transcending divisions and forging a path of unity and strength. Let us rise to this challenge and make this vision a reality!
- A Call to Action: Whatever actions you take, let them be firmly rooted in the rejection of negativity toward truth. The undeniable reality is that our unity is our strength. Collective strength stands as a powerful enemy to disunity. Young people must rise together against the forces that seek to divide them and categorically reject hate, even when it is propagated by those close to them, including their parents. Today’s youth have the responsibility to figure out right from wrong, and to cultivate relationships that foster harmony within their communities. It is imperative that everyone strives to promote harmony over hatred, for it is within hatred that ideologies of genocide take root and flourish.
In this time of commemoration and beyond, young people; remain hopeful and stay connected as neighbors, friends, and families. Embrace unity now and in the future as your greatest strength. Support one another as one people during this time, and participate in building a future where love and understanding prevail over division and hatred. Division and hatred are core elements of genocide ideologies that must be rejected outright.
Young people, you are called upon to transform our memories into a powerful force that continues to transform families and communities: United in Remembrance, United in Action.
Last but not least, Purpose Rwanda calls upon the youth: Together, we have the power to forge a Purposeful, Positive, and Addiction-Free Generation. This is our stand against genocide ideology and all it represents. By uniting in purpose and positivity, we can break the chains of the past and create a future defined by hope, resilience, and strength. Let’s rise and ignite this transformation, inspiring one another to build a better tomorrow. The time for change is now: let’s lead the way.