Rwanda to introduce genocide studies in education curriculum

In a bid to do away with genocide ideology cases, Rwanda sets to introduce genocide studies in education curriculum to equip young people with knowledge on genocide prevention.

Rwanda has been battling genocide ideology among citizens for the past two decades, which still poses a challenge to the country's unity and reconciliation process.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Dr. Jean-Damascene Bizimana, the executive secretary of the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG), said that including genocide prevention studies in school curriculum will enable young people understand the dangers of genocide to society and future generation.

"We want to see Rwanda turn into a new nation that is full of love, unity and peace. We want our offspring to love one another as brothers and sisters. We want a genocide ideology free country; together we shall build Rwanda into a strong nation for the better future of our country," he noted.

Bizimana explained that genocide ideology requires a deeper examination of the underlying factors, and education is the most effective method.

According to latest statistics from CNLG, genocide ideology in the Rwanda has dropped by 84 percent since 1994.

In the last three years, 180 cases were reported in 2013, 138 in 2014, and 168 by July 2015.

The post genocide country started Thursday a three-month long mourning of the victims of the 1994 genocide that claimed the lives of more than 800,000 Rwandans in 100 days.

The memorial observance begins with a commemoration week that involves several activities, which include visiting and laying wreaths at memorial sites, giving testimonies, public lectures, and candle lighting vigils.

No form of entertainment is allowed during the main commemoration week that lasts from April 7 to 13.