The Ishami Foundation is proud to introduce the “Survivor’s Journeying with Me Programme,” a groundbreaking initiative aimed at educating students from the West about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. This program empowers both the students and genocide survivors by allowing the students to learn from those with firsthand experiences and to share their stories directly. A survivor accompanies students on educational tours to sites of personal significance, making this initiative unique and deeply impactful. It enables survivors to narrate their experiences in their own words and connects these narratives to the locations where the events occurred.

The tours are designed not just to teach about the genocide, but to help students understand the decisions, actions, courage, and sacrifices people made during this tragic period. The Ishami Foundation believes that to truly comprehend the magnitude of such events, one must immerse themselves in the environment—walking the streets, breathing the air, sampling the local cuisine, and engaging with the community. Beyond the student-survivor encounter, there will also be opportunities to meet with rescuers, other witnesses, local authorities, and even former perpetrators to ensure the tour provides a holistic understanding of this tragic and complex history.

Goals of the Programme

The organisation of educational tours between Western schools and universities and those in Rwanda, particularly under the Survivor’s Journeying with Me Programme, has three main objectives:

• Educational Goals: Enhance understanding of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi through direct narratives from survivors and visits to historical sites.
• Cultural Exchange: Foster cross-cultural interactions between students from the West and Rwanda, promoting global citizenship and deeper mutual understanding.
• Visiting Rwanda: Encourage students to immerse themselves in Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery journey, witnessing the resilience, reconciliation, and rebuilding efforts firsthand. The program also provides opportunities to explore Rwanda’s natural beauty and tourism, including safaris, gorilla trekking, and other unique experiences that showcase the country’s rich heritage and biodiversity. 

Visit Rwanda: A Transformative Experience

Visiting Rwanda through this educational tour is more than just a historical lesson—it is a transformative journey. The program ensures that students not only learn about the genocide but also engage with Rwanda’s remarkable progress in peacebuilding, economic development, and social cohesion. The itinerary is structured to provide a comprehensive and meaningful experience, including:

• Visits to Genocide Memorials and Historical Sites: Students will visit key historical sites, including UNESCO-recognised genocide memorials such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Nyamata, Murambi, and Bisesero. Additional sites include Nyanza-Kicukiro, Ntarama, Rebero, Kiziguro, and Nyarubuye Genocide Memorials, as well as the Museum for the Campaign Against Genocide at the Parliament House and the Camp Kigali Belgian Monument. These visits will provide a deeper understanding of the history, resilience, and lessons from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. 

• Survivor Testimonies and Interactive Sessions: Survivors will accompany students to personal sites of significance, offering firsthand accounts of their experiences and sharing insights on reconciliation and resilience.
• Engagement with Local Communities: Beyond learning about the genocide, students will interact with Rwandan communities, visiting schools, cultural centers, and grassroots organisations to understand contemporary Rwanda.
• Meetings with Key Stakeholders: Students will have the opportunity to engage with local leaders, educators, peacebuilders, and even former perpetrators who have gone through reconciliation programs.
• Exploring Rwanda’s Culture and Natural Beauty: While the tour primarily focuses on education, it also allows students to experience Rwanda’s vibrant culture, hospitality, and stunning landscapes. Activities include visits to national parks for wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking experiences in Volcanoes National Park, and relaxing excursions to the shores of Lakes Kivu and Muhazi, providing students a well-rounded appreciation of Rwanda’s heritage and natural wonders.

Logistics and Planning

The Ishami Foundation is well-prepared to handle the logistics and planning of educational tours in Rwanda, based on their prior experience organising international visits.

• Expert Coordination: With an experienced team on the ground, Ishami ensures smooth coordination of travel, accommodations, and guided tours.
• Tailored Itineraries: Each tour is customised to align with the educational goals of participating schools and universities.
• Safety and Support: The foundation provides comprehensive support, ensuring safety and well-being throughout the visit.

For further details about the program and how a school can book a trip to Rwanda, please contact us via email (info@ishamifoundation.org) or our social media platforms.