Learning from History to Shape a Bright Future

Learning from History to Shape a Bright Future

This briefing examined how Rwanda, 18 years after the genocide, is dealing with its past, while at the same time, nurturing its future.  The panel of speakers gave input on the efforts  to create justice and reconciliation efforts, bring about political progress, create economic development as well as the resilience of the Rwandan people in positively managing the trauma of the genocide.  The entire flavor of the briefing was hopeful and positive.  It was very encouraging to see how this constructive attitude can still emanate out of people affected by such a devastating situation – and more so, how this vision of a better future was bearing practical fruit in the lives of many Rwandans, especially in terms of education and vocation.

A special part of the programme was a sneak preview of a documentary called ‘Sweet Dreams’.  The documentary is about a group of Rwandan women as they emerge from the devastation of the 1994 genocide and embark on a journey to heal the wounds of the past – resulting in the firts all-female drumming troupe and the setting up of an amazing ice cream business in Rwanda!

The briefing was inspiring for me, and was yet again a beautiful reminder of the strength and amazing capacity of the human spirit.