{"id":122628,"date":"2026-04-28T13:24:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T13:24:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/ntare-louisenlund-school-promotes-unity-and-peace"},"modified":"2026-04-28T13:36:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T13:36:22","slug":"ntare-louisenlund-school-promotes-unity-and-peace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/photo\/ntare-louisenlund-school-promotes-unity-and-peace","title":{"rendered":"Ntare Louisenlund School Promotes Unity and Peace"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>In a meaningful moment of remembrance and learning, students and staff from Ntare Louisenlund School (NLS) affirmed their commitment to unity following a visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial, as Rwanda and the world mark the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.<\/p>\n

The visit, held on Saturday, April 25, brought together 65 students from Grades 7 and 8, 21 school staff members, and 12 visiting students from Louisenlund, Germany.<\/p>\n

Understanding history through remembrance<\/p>\n

During the visit, participants were taken through a historical overview of the memorial before touring its various sections.<\/p>\n

The head of Ntare Louisenlund School, Damien Paul Vassallo, signs the guestbook at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.<\/p>\n

Inaugurated in 2004, the Kigali Genocide Memorial is the final resting place for over 250,000 Genocide victims. It comprises several sections, including a history museum, a children\u2019s memorial, and mass graves.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on the experience, Ariella Gatera Igihozo, a Grade 8 student at NLS, described Rwanda\u2019s history as painful but essential to understand.<\/p>\n

Students observe a moment of silence in honour of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi<\/p>\n

\u201cEven though I was not there during the Genocide, this visit helped me imagine and understand what happened. It wasn\u2019t an easy experience,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Igihozo emphasised that learning about the country\u2019s past is crucial for nation building.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a significant experience, and as a Rwandan, it is important to understand our history. It helps us build and develop our country while knowing where we came from,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

The visit brought together 65 students from Grades 7 and 8, 21 school staff members, and 12 visiting students from Louisenlund, Germany.<\/p>\n

Emotional reflections from students, call for unity and shared identity<\/p>\n

Igihozo urged fellow youth to prioritise unity and reject divisions.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are all Rwandans. There is no division, no labels. If we want to move forward, we must accept that and move in unity, not division,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The memorial presents Rwanda\u2019s history from the pre-colonial period to colonisation, the events leading up to the Genocide, and the country\u2019s recovery journey. Students observed that this comprehensive narrative helped them develop a deeper connection to their country.<\/p>\n

It also features an exhibition on other genocides around the world, aimed at preserving memory, educating future generations, and reinforcing the message of \u201cNever Again,\u201d which intends to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities globally.<\/p>\n

Twelve visiting students from Louisenlund, Germany at the memorial<\/p>\n

For Ian Ngoga, also a Grade 8 student, the visit was both educational and emotional. He expressed gratitude to the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) for liberating the country and ending the Genocide.<\/p>\n

He particularly reflected on the children\u2019s memorial, describing it as heartbreaking.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is inhumane to take innocent lives. The experience was very educational, and I look forward to visiting more memorial sites to learn even more,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Ngoga encouraged young people to actively engage with the country\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should always be interested in learning more about our history and never forget what happened. It is not meant to make us sad, but to help us learn and ensure it never happens again.\u201d<\/p>\n

School leadership on the importance of remembrance, peace and unity through education<\/p>\n

The Head of School, Damien Paul Vassallo, observed that maintaining peace is key to building Rwanda and the world.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe must never forget but always remember. Transformation begins with commemoration,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cEffective, meaningful education includes understanding and learning from history, including its darkest moments, so that we can move forward from generation to generation with the knowledge, wisdom, and mindset to build a better future and a lasting peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

During the visit, participants were taken through a historical overview of the memorial before touring its various sections.<\/p>\n

Explaining the significance of remembrance and commemoration for the school, Vassallo said that it strengthens the bond within the community while deepening intergenerational connection and the country.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt also instils in our students the values of this restored and renewed Rwanda, which emphasises unity and solidarity within the community and broader society,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n\r\n