Education and Cultural Officer, Ms. Josee Butera recently took to the shores of Gotland Island, Sweden, to deliver a lecture on the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The event, attended by 500 students from local schools, alongside teachers, and esteemed local authorities such as parliamentary member Hon. Hanna Western, aimed to shed light on a dark chapter of history and foster cross-cultural understanding.

The lecture, divided into three sessions, was crafted to educate and inform junior students, aged between 15 and 17, about the tragic events that unfolded in Rwanda thirty years ago. Beyond recounting the genocide, Ms. Akayezu delved into Rwanda's broader history and the remarkable reconciliation efforts undertaken by the Rwandan Government post-genocide.

Beyond the lecture hall, discussions ensued between the lecturers and school administrators, exploring the potential for establishing long-term partnerships between schools in Rwanda and those on Gotland Island. The envisioned collaboration seeks to promote education and mutual understanding between the two regions, fostering a meaningful exchange of knowledge and experiences.

Following the informative session, Ms. Akayezu visited the Gotland Musee and library to familiarize herself with their work. Engagements with local stakeholders led to discussions about potential collaborations aimed at raising awareness about the Genocide against the Tutsi. Plans are underway for ongoing dialogue between Gotland Musee, Ibuka Sweden, the Rwanda Embassy, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, with the shared objective of jointly creating awareness among the population of Gotland and their visitors.

As discussions progress, the focus remains on establishing a fruitful collaboration that will not only educate but also commemorate the historical events in Rwanda. Through partnerships forged on the basis of mutual respect and a shared commitment to remembrance, the hope is to ensure that the lessons learned from the past are never forgotten.

In summary, the lecture on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda served as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and collaboration on Gotland Island, paving the way for impactful partnerships aimed at raising awareness and promoting cross-cultural understanding.