Local Leaders Urged to Reach Out to Children Exposed to Genocide Ideology in Kayonza

The call was made Thursday, August 14, 2025, during a training organized by the Never Again Rwanda organization for local officials on addressing trauma rooted in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and other conflicts.

Rukundo Pacifique, Coordinator of the National Youth Council in Kayonza, said the lingering effects of genocide on Rwandan youth are compounded when some parents still hold and transmit extremist ideologies to their children.

“We must strengthen good governance and programs such as ‘I am Rwandan.’ Even if we hear misinformation from parents, we must carefully analyze it and not allow it to spread,” Rukundo said.

Donatha Mukamasabo, a social welfare officer in Gahini Sector, said the ideology persists among both residents and leaders and becomes especially visible during the 100 days of the annual Genocide commemoration.

“Some parents teach their children distorted histories because they have not fully reconciled and struggle to speak the truth. This distortion influences the youth, making them vulnerable to extremist ideology. We must teach the true history and actively engage with young people,” she said.

Clever Gatabazi, head of Peacebuilding and Genocide Prevention at Never Again Rwanda, said their current programs focus on border districts where the transmission of extremist ideology from parents to children is more common, preventing its complete eradication.

Jean Damascène Harerimana, Deputy Mayor of Kayonza in charge of Social Affairs, noted that “the effects of the Genocide manifest in various ways. As leaders, it is crucial to understand the challenges people face and address them appropriately.”

Never Again Rwanda has established over 500 groups, involving more than 10,000 people, to help communities heal from trauma and prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.