The "Youth, Know Your History" forum held in Rubavu District on Thursday, June 26, 2025, inspired Rwandan youth to make choices based on unity and resilience. The discussions revolved around the theme: "Unity and Resilience, My Choice."
While addressing the youth, Minister Dr. Jean Damascene Bizimana emphasized, "One of the core values of Rwandan culture is mutual reliance and shared wisdom. Wherever we live and work, no one prospers alone—people depend on each other."
He added, "Respect for others is essential because just as you need them, they need you too. Every individual must strive for peace not only for themselves but also for their neighbor. Peace is a shared right—it’s the foundation for sustainable societies."
The forum, held at Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle center, aimed to empower youth from Nyabihu, Ngororero, Rubavu, Nyamasheke, and Rutsiro Districts to better understand Rwanda's history and actively oppose genocidal ideology, hatred, and divisionism.
Participants included youth formerly associated with armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo, individuals from marginalized groups such as motorcycle taxi drivers, cyclists, artisan workers, and cross-border traders, as well as those recently reintegrated from rehabilitation centers like Iwawa.
The discussions provided crucial knowledge about Rwanda’s history and neighboring regions, equipping attendees to challenge historical distortions, deny the trivialization of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and confront hate speech and genocidal thoughts. The youth were encouraged to prioritize values like truth, unity, and resilience while fighting against harmful ideologies including hate, discrimination, and divisionism.
In addition to history lessons, participants were guided on essential behaviors and values that should define their journey in building unity and resilience among Rwandans, while safeguarding the country's current achievements.
Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascene Bizimana, urged the youth to join forces for lasting peace and solidarity.
Young attendees embraced values promoting unity and resilience to strengthen Rwandan society.