Tangen High School – Norway | 23 February – 2 March 2026

The Visit Rwanda Educational Initiative, led by Ishami Foundation in partnership with Aegis Trust and Gasore Serge Foundation / Rwanda Children Christian School, is an immersive learning programme connecting international students with Rwanda’s history, reconciliation journey, and sustainable development.

From 23 February to 2 March 2026, 17 students and 3 teachers from Tangen High School, Norway, will explore Rwanda through education, reflection, and community engagement.

Why This Visit Matters

This programme was inspired by historian Anders Mellerud and Eric Murangwa Eugene, Founder of Ishami Foundation, following their collaboration on the documentary “Rwanda: 30 Years Gone.” The documentary explores reconciliation, justice, and hope 30 years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The visit builds on Tangen High School’s long-standing global engagement and aims to connect academic learning with lived experience.

Learning Pillars

1. Understanding the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi

Students visit key sites including:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial
• ETO/IPRC Kicukiro
• Nyanza-Kicukiro, Ntarama and Nyamata Genocide memorials
• Gisimba Memorial Centre
• Ngabo Art Corner Museum
• Campaign Against Genocide Museum, Rwanda Parliament House

At almost every site, students meet survivors and listen to personal testimonies linking history to real human experiences. Where appropriate, students also meet individuals who participated in the genocide and have reconciled with their communities.

Educational sessions facilitated by Aegis Trust support structured reflection and responsible dialogue.

2. Studying Reconciliation & Justice

Students learn how Rwanda rebuilt after genocide through:

• The Gacaca justice system
• Survivor advocacy and remembrance
• National unity strategies
• Legislative initiatives for genocide prevention

Meetings include:

• Anti-Genocide Parliamentary Forum
• Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE)
• Chief Justice of Rwanda
• IBUKA representatives

Special Highlight: Students visit SAVONA Garden of the Righteous in Kamonyi District to meet local reconciliation champions, showcasing grassroots peacebuilding and moral courage.

3. Learning About Sustainable Development

Students explore Rwanda’s modern development journey through engagements on:

• Green growth and climate resilience (FONERWA / Ministry of Environment)
• Environmental governance
• Sustainable community and urban development

They will also participate in Umuganda (community service) and meet local leaders in Bugesera District.

Peer-to-Peer & Community Immersion

Through Rwanda Children Christian School / Gasore Serge Foundation, 25 Rwandan students are prepared to host Norwegian peers, enabling:

• Youth empowerment dialogue
• Environmental awareness
• Sport for development activities
• Shared cultural experiences and traditional meals

Norwegian Student Contributions

Tangen students will present and discuss:

• Norwegian society and governance
• Sámi history and minority rights
• Lessons from the 22 July 2011 tragedy and reconciliation

This exchange encourages comparative reflection on justice, democracy, and social responsibility.

Voices from the Initiative

Eric Murangwa Eugene
Founder, Ishami Foundation

“Education must extend beyond the classroom. Engaging directly with sites of memory and survivor testimonies gives young people deeper understanding and responsibility.”

Egil Ellenes
Head of Humanities & International Coordinator, Tangen High School

“This visit connects academic learning with lived experience, strengthening global citizenship and critical reflection.”

Anders Mellerud
Historian and Initiator of the Visit, Tangen High School

“Experiencing Rwanda firsthand transforms history into meaningful engagement and reflection on moral responsibility.”

Appolon Gahongayire
Peace and Value Education Program Manager, Aegis Trust

“Peacebuilding education creates structured and reflective spaces where students can critically examine the past while considering their responsibilities in the present. Such learning processes empower young people to become constructive agents of reconciliation and social cohesion.”

Nadine Izerwe
Headmistress, Rwanda Children Christian School / Gasore Serge Foundation

“International exchanges foster mutual understanding and long-term peace.”

Mina
Student, Tangen High School (Norway)

“The visit challenges us to reflect on forgiveness, reconciliation, and our responsibilities within society.”

Isimbi Belinda
Student, Rwanda Children Christian School / Gasore Serge Foundation

“Welcoming students from Norway provides an opportunity for shared learning and dialogue. Young people demonstrate their capacity to contribute meaningfully to a more peaceful and interconnected world.”

Programme Highlights

• Memorial and museum visits
• Survivor testimonies linked to historical sites
• Governance and community dialogues
• Cultural excursions (including the King’s Palace Museum)
• Community service and environmental learning
• Reconciliation engagement in Kamonyi District

Educational Philosophy

The initiative reflects Ishami Foundation’s commitment to:

• Honest engagement with history
• Critical thinking and empathy
• Connecting memory with sustainable futures

By linking genocide education, reconciliation, governance, environmental sustainability, and survivor testimony, students gain practical insight and moral courage to contribute to peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable societies.