ALX Rwanda students urged to leverage technology to confront genocide denial

This message was emphasised as the youth visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi as part of the 31st commemoration activities.

ALX Rwanda students urged to leverage technology to confront genocide denial

Students enrolled at ALX Rwanda have been urged to use technology to counter those who deny or distort the facts about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Our learners, who are receiving technology and entrepreneurship-focused training at ALX Rwanda, toured various sections of the memorial and were given a detailed account of how the Genocide was ideologically constructed, systematically planned, and brutally executed in 1994, leading to the loss of a million lives.

After learning about this painful chapter in history, the students laid wreaths at the mass graves where over 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi are buried.

Participants also attended discussions and heard testimonies reflecting on the country’s dark past, the journey of national rebuilding, and lit candles as a symbol of hope for a future free from division and hatred.

Divin Ibambasi, Deputy Director of Peace and Love Proclaimers (PLP), called on the youth to harness their technological knowledge to fight against genocide ideology and denialism.

“You should use your skills in technology to combat genocide ideology and those who deny or trivialise the Genocide against the Tutsi anywhere in the world,” he said.

He further encouraged them to apply their technological expertise to address challenges that threaten to undermine Rwanda’s progress.

Nimie Chaylone Uwurugwiro, Country Director of ALX Rwanda, emphasised that any knowledge or skill is meaningless unless it is used with humanity and directed toward nation-building.

“You may have skills in technology, business, or leadership, but if they’re not grounded in humanity and not used to contribute to your country, they have no value,” she stated.

She added that to effectively challenge genocide denial and distortion, ALX Rwanda decided to organise visits to memorial sites to help students gain a firsthand understanding of the country’s history.

“We bring our students here so they can hear the real stories and understand what happened because, nowadays, many come across distorted narratives on social media platforms run by genocide deniers. Some don’t know the truth.”

“We want them to see it for themselves, learn the truth, and be motivated to take part in building the nation with even greater commitment.”