Officials and personnel from the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) visited Ntarama Genocide Memorial, situated in Bugesera District, to pay tribute to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. The memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
During their visit, NESA members observed artifacts and remnants at the memorial, including school supplies abandoned by fleeing children and families seeking refuge in the church, where they were tragically discovered by genocidaires who mercilessly killed them inside the church.
In his address, Dr. Bernard Bahati, the Director General of NESA, expressed gratitude to the RPF for halting the genocide against the Tutsi. He also reiterated NESA’s unwavering commitment to supporting survivors and combating genocide denial.
Dr. Bahati Bernard, expressed deep sorrow at the realization that innocent victims, including children, sought refuge but were met with unspeakable violence.
Underlining the crucial role of education in nurturing inclusivity and tolerance, Dr. Bahati underscored NESA’s dedication to advancing equality and thwarting discrimination within the education system. He emphasized the necessity of establishing secure and inclusive learning environments for all children, in stark contrast to the discriminatory practices witnessed during the genocidal regime, where Tutsi were marginalized and denied access to education.
NESA team mobilized financial resources, collecting over 1,600,000 Rwandan francs and repaired a survivor’s home.
Isaac Munyakabuga, responsible for good governance in the Ntarama Sector, expressed gratitude on behalf of the local administration for NESA’s compassionate actions.
Umwanankabandi Mathilde, representing IBUKA in Ntarama Sector, extended appreciation to NESA for their support and solidarity. She highlighted the significance of NESA’s assistance in providing shelter and hope to survivors like Nyirankuriza Felicite.
In her testimony, Mrs. Nyirankuriza Felicite, an 86-year-old survivor, expressed profound gratitude for the support she received. Despite enduring unimaginable hardships, she found solace in the generosity and compassion of NESA and the broader community.
Last year, NESA staff visited Murambi Genocide Memorial and provided assistance to six survivors of the genocide against the Tutsi and this year, they extended aid to Nyirankuriza Felicite, an elderly survivor in need. (End)