As part of our ongoing commitment to peacebuilding and social responsibility, the 1000 Hills Rugby visited the Nyanza-Kicukiro Genocide Memorial and the Garden of Memory during Kwibuka 31, the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
This solemn visit was not only an act of remembrance but also an educational experience that deepened our understanding of Rwanda's history and resilience.
Accompanied by GASINGWA ABDOUL, a guide from Ibuka, the umbrella organization for Genocide survivors, our team received a profound lesson on the events of 1994, the cruelty endured by innocent lives, and the enduring spirit of unity and rebuilding that characterizes post-genocide Rwanda.
Accompanied by GASINGWA ABDOUL, a guide from Ibuka, the umbrella organization for Genocide survivors, our team received a profound lesson on the events of 1994, the cruelty endured by innocent lives, and the enduring spirit of unity and rebuilding that characterizes post-genocide Rwanda.
At the memorial site, we laid a wreath to honor the thousands of victims who were mercilessly killed at Nyanza-Kicukiro, where they had sought refuge under the protection of peacekeepers forces, only to be abandoned and led to their deaths. This heartbreaking site remains a powerful symbol of betrayal, loss, and the strength of survivors and communities in the wake of unimaginable tragedy.
For us as an organisation, one rooted in values of respect, teamwork, and community this visit was a moment of reflection. It reaffirmed our mission not only to develop young athletes but to raise responsible citizens who understand the value of peace, dignity, and human life.
1000 Hills Rugby actively promotes peace through sport. Our work with youth from diverse backgrounds fosters unity and creates safe spaces where the lessons of the past can guide better futures. Visiting the memorial reinforces our belief that sports can be a powerful platform for healing, reconciliation, and sustained peace.