SURVIVOR SPEAKERS
“Eric’s story made me feel that it only takes one person to make a change, and for that I’m eternally grateful. I am now also aware of the suffering going on in other countries, and how to help others overcome it.”
“Eric’s story made me feel that it only takes one person to make a change, and for that I’m eternally grateful. I am now also aware of the suffering going on in other countries, and how to help others overcome it.”
Hamaad, Student at Abraham Moss Community School, Manchester
Hearing a genocide survivor speak is a moving and memorable experience.
The Ishami Foundation are dedicated to supporting survivors to speak in schools and at community events. By sharing personal stories of genocide, survivors help audiences understand the historical consequences of division and the need to take action to promote tolerance and understanding.
We have a network of survivor speakers across the UK. Many are based in London and the Midlands but travel all over the country. Here are some of the survivors who speak for us.
“The talk given by Liliane was a powerful and moving account, and one that I will remember for many years to come. I think I speak for most in the school when I say that my knowledge of the genocide was limited, but Liliane provided us with an invaluable insight into her experiences and educated us on the true nature of the atrocity in Rwanda. Liliane had everyone's undivided attention. Liliane's talk inspired me to find out more about the genocide and I hope that people like her continue to share their stories, as this is an event that should not be overlooked, and certainly never forgotten.”
“The talk given by Liliane was a powerful and moving account, and one that I will remember for many years to come. I think I speak for most in the school when I say that my knowledge of the genocide was limited, but Liliane provided us with an invaluable insight into her experiences and educated us on the true nature of the atrocity in Rwanda. Liliane had everyone's undivided attention. Liliane's talk inspired me to find out more about the genocide and I hope that people like her continue to share their stories, as this is an event that should not be overlooked, and certainly never forgotten.”
Sixth Former Student from Reading Blue Coat School.
Eric Murangwa Eugene
Naila M Kira
Antoinette Mushimiyimana
Marie-Rose Rurangirwa
Rehma Muguyeneza
Sophie Musabe Masereka
Pierre-Celestin Rusengatabaro
Alphonsine Kabagabo
Louise Ndibwirende
Mariam Tumukunde
Anaïs Mutumba
Philomene Uwamaliya
Marie-Chantal Uwamahoro
Liliane Umubyeyi
Becoming a Survivor Speaker
Some survivors of genocide have been sharing their stories for years. Other survivors have never spoken about their experiences in public.
This page is for you if you’d like to share your story for the first time or if you have some experience of speaking and are looking for more support.
We know that listening to a survivor speak can have a huge impact on people. Survivor testimonies help audiences to understand what happened and the human cost of genocide. Testimonies can also inspire audiences to take action and help other survivors feel less alone.
However, sharing your story can be a very challenging process.
Sharing your story: guidelines for survivor speakers
Ishami Foundation have developed guidelines with King’s College London to help survivors who share or are thinking about sharing their story in public.
The guidelines were requested by genocide survivors who wanted more support and information. They were developed with a psychotherapist, a researcher and genocide survivors themselves.
The guidelines will:
- Help you decide whether now is the right time for you to share your story
- Offer suggestions to help you prepare to speak
- Provide ideas and exercises to help you understand and respond to the emotions and memories that sharing your story may bring up.
You can download the guidelines here.
Next steps
If you’re a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi living in the UK, Rwanda or in any other parts of the world and would like to speak at schools or community events then please get in touch with us by
e-mailing: info@ishamifoundation.org
If you’ve been asked to speak at an event by your workplace, local school, church, mosque or any other organisation then you’re welcome to e-mail us with any questions.
If you’re a survivor of another genocide please contact the most relevant organisation in the country where you are living.
For example, if you’re based in the UK you may wish to try:
- Remembering Srebrenica (Bosnia)
- Waging Peace (Sudan)
- Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (Holocaust, Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Sudan)
Feedback
We love to hear about how our resources are used, what is helpful and what could be improved. If you
have any feedback please send it to: info@ishamifoundation.org