Update: 31 Mar 2011

Mobilization continues in Rwanda as Walk to Remember organizers visit Fawe Girls School to explain where, when, walk to remember will take place and why the event must also take place outside the country.  After a long discussion and Q&A, the girls were reminded that they are the power, the future and the hope of Rwanda

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Sunday eight Rwandese youth will travel to Kenya, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania and DR Congo to join the mobilization efforts on the ground while youths throughout the USA, UK, Canada and India prepare for their own Walk to Remember activities.

Walk to Remember 2011 - Proposed Dates/Locations

East African Community

Kigali, Rwanda - 9th Apr

Kampala, Uganda - 18th Apr

Bujumbura, Burundi - 9th Apr

Nairobi, Kenya - 9th Apr

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - 9th Apr

DR Congo

Kinshasa - 9th Apr

Canada

University of Ottawa - 7 May

City of Edmonton - 9 April

India

Chidambaram - Week of 7 Apr*

United States of America

Buena Vista University (Iowa) - TBD

California Baptist University - 7 Apr

Grambling State University (Louisiana) - TBD

La Roche College (Pennsylvania) - 28 Apr

Oklahoma Christian University - 9 Apr

Olney Friends School (Ohio) - 16 Apr

Southwestern Adventist University (Texas)*

University of Arkansas at Fayetteville - 14 Apr

University of Arkansas at Little Rock - 7 Apr

University of Maine at Augusta - 9 Apr

United Kingdom

Isle of Lewis - TBD

For more information on specific locations, please click on your location above and you will be directed to the organizer of that country and/or school. 

Murakoze cyane. 

Meet Stella

Stella an active member of PLP and currently in her final year at the National University of Rwanda where she studies economics.  As a member of PLP, Stella has played a role in organizing the Watchman Visit to Niboye in 2010.  She is known by her peers as a lady with a big heart, especially when it comes to vulnerable children. Stella is willing to give a helping hand to people in need and PLP is a connector.  Friendly and kind, she is helping mobilize NUR students for Walk to Remember 2011.

1) Why do you participate as an organizer for W2R? What drives you? 

This is because that is where my passion lies, making sure, that at least my neighbor is as happy as I want them to be. Everyone needs compassion.

2) What makes you proud to be Rwandan?

Just the fact that I was simply born Rwandan, and I did not choose it makes me feel so proud. I love Rwanda.

3) What do you wish people knew about Rwanda?

The beauty, good intentions of the inhabitants, the uprising love and compassion in the country.

4) What is vision for Rwanda and the entire continent in ten years? 

A beautiful country with a big economy, filled with love, compassion and smiles. Everyone must be fairly happy.

5) How do you bring about change in your community?

I do it by treating people around me in a way that I would love to be treated. It all comes out magically.

6) What do you think is the leading cause of war or genocide in one word?

Mindsets 

7) If you were asked to describe yourself with one word, what would it be?  

Compassionate

8) What do you want to be remembered for? 

A loving heart towards others, but especially children!

9) Favorite Rwandan delicacy?

Rice and milk 

10) Your definition of success? 

Achievement of one’s dreams without doing evil, or inconveniencing those around you.

Bonus: What song makes you want to bust a move? 

Abera Hose Icyarimwe

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Thanks, Stella! 

Understanding Genocide

Information taken directly from United Nations

Understanding Genocide

Genocide is not something that happens overnight or without warning. Students of genocide have learned that genocide is in fact a deliberate strategy and one that has been mostly carried out by governments or groups controlling the state apparatus. The very State which is responsible for protecting its citizens becomes their killer and the potential victims can only turn to others to seek protection. The effects of genocide are felt beyond the borders of the affected country as it negatively impacts the safety and security of people in neighbouring countries. The consequences for future generations are truly enormous.

In the case of Rwanda, minority ethnic Tutsis living in exile in neighbouring countries sought to return to Rwanda in the 1980s, but were prevented from doing so. Some joined the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), a largely Tutsi rebel army that invaded Rwanda in 1990, seeking the right of exiles to return. Tutsis in Rwanda were arrested and harassed as accomplices of the invasion. Extremist radio and print media depicted all Tutsis as helping the invading force. A peace deal was signed in August 1993 in Arusha, Tanzania, between the RPF and the Rwandan government, designed to end the civil war. The UN Assistance Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR) was sent in to oversee implementation of the accords. However, the accords had overlooked the growing threat of Hutu extremism in the army, the media and sections of government.

On 11 January 1994, UNAMIR Commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Dallaire alerted UN Headquarters that extremist militia were preparing for mass killings and had assembled weapons for that purpose. Dallaire stated his intention to seize the weapons, but was denied permission since such action was considered outside the force’s mandate. A plane carrying President Habyarimana was shot down on 6 April, triggering the start of the genocide. Soldiers in the presidential guard targeted moderate Hutu leaders, including the Prime Minister, within hours. An extremist Hutu government was put in place by the military, and from then on the Tutsi population became the focus of the killing. There was no surprise.

Today, the effects of the genocide in Rwanda are still felt in many different ways both inside the country and in neighbouring states, including in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where large areas of South Kivu province are still controlled by Hutu militia from Rwanda and their local allies. Alongside other fighters in the Congo war, they continue to commit serious human rights violations, including abductions, killings and rape. Sexual violence, particularly against women and children, is widespread.

Recognising Genocide

Understanding the way genocide occurs and learning to recognize signs that could -- in the right environment -- lead to genocide are important in making sure that such horrors do not happen again. Iqbal Riza, former UN Chef de Cabinet, acknowledged that, “We did not give the information [the warning of impending genocide in Rwanda] the importance and the correct interpretation it deserved. We realized only in hindsight”.

Experts agree that genocide is a crime rooted in intolerance of a group (ethnic, racial or religious or other). Often in multi-ethnic and multi-cultural societies different groups learn to work together peacefully. They develop democratic ways to share wealth and power, to resolve disputes peacefully and prevent violence.

However, in times of political or economic uncertainty, trust between communities begins to weaken, relationships break down. People can develop fears and prejudices. When such fears and prejudices are reinforced and manipulated by governments for political purposes, one group can turn against another group, made up of people who just yesterday were their friends and neighbours.

Even then, such hostility rarely leads to genocide. Several other factors must come together before genocide becomes more likely.

The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, working with other genocide experts, has compiled a list of warning signs that could indicate that a community is at risk for genocide or similar atrocities. It includes:

• the country has a totalitarian or authoritarian government where only one group controls power;
  
• the country is at war or there is a lawless environment in which massacres can take place without being quickly noticed or easily documented;
  
• one or more national, ethnic, racial or religious group is the target of discrimination or is made a scapegoat for poverty or other serious social problems now facing the country;
  
• there is a belief or an ideology that says the target group is less than human. It “dehumanizes” members of this group and justifies violence against them. Messages and propaganda supporting this belief are spread through the media or at rallies (“hate media” and “hate messages”);
  
• there is a growing acceptance of violations of the target group’s human rights or there is a history of genocide and discrimination against them. This gives the violators and abusers a sense that if the perpetrators of the earlier crimes got away with it, they will get away with their abuses this time.

For more information or to learn more about genocide prevention, please visit http://www.un.org

We Need YOUR Support!

Support Walk to Remember!!
2,000 RWF
walktoremember2011@gmail.com

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The Power of Our Thoughts - A note from Nelson

Every time I have to do something I always like to ask people this question, “what is your thought?’. You may ask me why I like that, and I may give you many reasons whether good enough or not.  But one thing I'm certain of is having a second thought always help me to develop myself inside and out.

One of the most powerful quotes on the power of thought that I came across not so long ago (author unknown) reads:
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"Watch your thoughts,
they become your words.

Watch your words,

they become your actions.

Watch your actions,

they become your habits.

Watch your habits,

they become your character.

Watch your character,

it becomes your destiny."

What is fascinating about this quote is how it traces the almost seamless link from thoughts to words to actions to habits to character to finally destiny!  This underlines how important it is for one to think the right thoughts in order to perform the right actions and acquire strength of character and ultimately attract the destiny one has always dreamt of. Of course, this is easier said than done! Nevertheless, it all boils down to the very seed of it all — the right thoughts and where it all begins — in the mind. For centuries, great thinkers right from the time of Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed to even modern-day bestsellers, have emphasized on the power of thought. All these show how one needs to first think the situation out in one’s head and live the dream to actually achieve it.  

This also brings us to an important issue: if our minds are what lead to actions, then is war (civil war, genocide...) also a result of negative thoughts?  Years ago the Preamble to the Unesco constitution figured it all out and went to the very root of the problem for this is what an excerpt says, “Since wars begin in the minds of men it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.” Gautama Buddha also thought deeply and came up with some absolute gems on the power of thought and the need to think the right thoughts. “What we think, we become. We are formed and moulded by our thoughts. Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them.”

However, how does the thought process translate into reality? Both the idea and the process of this is quite baffling and many thinkers have sought to unravel the mystery. Talking about merging your individual thoughts with the universal mind, Dr Dyer says, “When you form a thought within you that’s commensurate with spirit, you form a spiritual prototype that connects you to intention and sets into motion the manifestation of your desires.”  And our thought can turn into our destiny, why choose to destroy ourselves with wrong and bad ideas?

I know and believe that one way we can develop our ideas and our opinions is by educating ourselves. Walk to Remember gives us the youth a chance to educate ourself, stand together and express our thoughts through events.

The power of thought — go right ahead and harness it!

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Nelson

Walk to Remember - India

Hope and Transformation - A note from Richard

Sometime back I could not understand why people had to walk to say "no" to something. I heard of marches against HIV/AIDS, or against a dictator, or even peaceful walks, but still it was meaningless because I could not contemplate the effectiveness of the action. I felt this way until I was introduced to the ideas of a man who will always be remembered for the greatness of his spirit and thoughts: Martin Luther King, Jr. I was not captivated by the man since I knew his biography, but I was focused on the march on Washington where he delivered his famous speech "I Have A Dream".

The march on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, commonly referred to as "The Great March on Washington" as styled in a sound recording released after the event, was a large political rally in support of civil and economic rights for African Americans.  It took place in Washington D.C on Wednesday, August 28th, 1963. The march was an idea of a group of civil rights labor and religious organizations, under the theme "jobs and freedom." The walk gathered between 200,000 and 300,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial, under the steps of which Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the dream he had of a unified USA.

This for me is the walk that left a considerable legacy in a sense where it was credited with helping to pass the civil rights acts (1964) and the African Americans voting rights act (1965).

It reminded me that Walk to Remember should not be taken for granted. We've talked about it's exponential growth or expansion towards the world but I do not think that is a coincidence or by chance.  After the walk you may think it was just a time for you to stretch your legs but that is not the purpose. YOU have actually contributed to helping those who do not believe in the dream of a "genocide free generation and world" see how determined we are and how many of us are saying no to racism, divisionism and all evil ideologies intending to separate and exterminate.  When you walk this year, remember this one thing: this walk might be the one that gives hope and brings transformation.

Today the African American community says "the dream came true", yet it was almost impossible to think that it would come true one day. You might think the dream of a "genocide ideology free generation" will never come true, but I urge you to remember this while laughing at the dreamers - the dreamers will be acting.

Martin Luther King, Jr. knew that it wasn’t enough just to talk the talk, that he had to walk the walk for his words to be credible.

                    "I want you to say on that day, that I did try in my life...

To love and serve humanity."   

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Richard
Walk to Remember - Rwanda 

Keep On, Keepin' On

Walk to Remember teams are working hard all around the globe.  This year Walk to Remember activities will be taking place throughout East Africa, DR Congo, Canada, USA, UK and India.  Since 2009, Walk to Remember has expanded from one walk in Kigali, Rwanda to over 20 walks across four continents in ten countries.  In only three years our reach has grown exponentially. Thanks to the commitment and passion of the youth of Rwanda, the message of hope and unity will be shared with the world in April.  
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Every year we hope to improve and refine our message, so we ask you, how can we make more of an impact on your community?  Are you interested in hosting Walk to Remember at your university or in your community? 
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Contact us at walktoremember2011@gmail.com. We want to hear from you. 

Murakoze Cyane Fina Bank!

The Walk to Remember team would like to thank Fina Bank for supporting Walk to Remember 2011.  Fina Bank's generous contribution of 1M RWF ($1,700 USD) demonstrates their ongoing commitment to growing and developing the youth and overall community throughout East Africa.  
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Walk to Remember looks forward to partnering with Fina Bank for years to come. Together we will continue to unite the international community and empower the youth to take action against genocide. 
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Murakoze cyane Fina Bank 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Walk to Remember!!! 
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May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
                                    -- Irish Blessing
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What year will Walk to Remember take place in Ireland?  Take a guess...

Join Us and Speak Your Mind!!!

Interested in being highlighted on our W2R Blog or Facebook Page??? 

Send a poem or short essay on why you are participating in Walk to Remember and why you would encourage others to do the same?!
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Send entries to: walktoremember2011@gmail.com.  We will be collecting entries through 9th of April.  

Abanyarwanda: Are We Proud or Ashamed? - A note from Jean Michel

I think I am proud…

I am proud of my name and my origins,

I am proud of my native culture and customs

Proud of my early days and my language

Proud of my beliefs and history

But am I? 

When I meet one we share this “Pride”

I put my guards up I get cautious and vigilant

I study the territory before I open upI decide whether I reveal myself

or not I calculate my approach and my behaviorI protect myself from my own people

So, how can I be proud and guarded at the same time? 

Sadly the human race battles its own kind

Evil seems to conquer over kindness and I know the evil of the culture

I know the insiders’ secrets I know the depth of history and how it has hurt

I know the insincerities of the society know there is no freedom of identity

And I know that kindness and honesty will not do.

We have learned to handle this

We are toughened and observant

We have been burned and we learned

We are cultured in playing the game 

We have stopped being naïve and unripe.

We have become one of “them” because after all, We are insiders. 

We pass it on, We will train our kids because we love them

We will coach them to protect themselves

We will teach them so they don’t get burned We will share the rules of the game

We are qualified and convinced. But we will also teach them to be proud

It is a contradiction and we understand it. Alarming, I know.

So what’s the deal? Are we proud or are we ashamed?

Have we learned anything from history?

Or are we extending it even more?

Are we better or just the same?

Have we given up for others to sort out?

Or just hoping it will get better with time?

There is no “us” and “them”, we are all to blame.

We must be proud, We have always stood tall and ready to defend ourselves

We are passing our culture and customs down to new generations

We keep our names and language alive

We teach history and brag about the thousand hills.

So we are proud. Right? 

Or are we ashamed? Ashamed of our history and disgrace

Ashamed of the division between the same people

Ashamed of the hate and dishonesty

Ashamed of being one of “them”

Ashamed because we have no freedom.

Ashamed? … 

… Or both?

margo Rukashaza


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Meet Kharim

Kharim is also a founding member of PLP. He serves as the Operations Manager and is involved in many of PLP's community service projects, such as, The Watchman. Kharim has been a member of the Walk to Remember team since 2009.  In 2010, he led school mobilization in Kigali as well as led the W2R team in Burundi.  He is a leader among his peers who is known for his vivacious personality and work-ethic. Kharim is currently Head Organizer of Walk to Remember activities in Rwanda and throughout East Africa.

1) Why do you participate as an organizer for W2R? What drives you? 

Because I believe in it and the impact that it will make, the thing which drives me is that I don't want this happen again and to keep the memory alive.

2) What makes you proud to be Rwandan? 

The thing that makes me proud to be a RWANDAN is our culture.

3) What do you wish people knew about Rwanda? 

A country of 1000 hills, 2000 problems, 4000 answers and 8000 smiles.

4) What is your vision for Rwanda and the entire continent in ten years?

My vision for RWANDA is to be financially stable and UNITED, for the entire continent it is for Peace and Love. 

5) How do you bring about change in your community?

Telling the truth, say what I mean and do what I mean.

6) What do you think is the leading cause of war or genocide in one word? 

Selfishness

7) If you were asked to describe yourself in one word, what would it be? 

Worker 

8) What do you want to be remembered for? 

I want to be remembered as a peacemaker 

9) Favorite Rwandan delicacy?

Imvange (Ibirayi nibishyimbo)

10) Your definition of success?

My definition of success is to achieve what you planned to achieve.

Bonus: What song makes you want to bust a move?

Genda RWANDA uri nziza.

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Thanks, Kharim!!

Update - 11 Mar 2011

Mobilization continues for Walk to Remember 2011 throughout the East African Community, DR Congo, India, USA, and UK.

In Rwanda, PLP members visited APE Rugunga secondary school where students had the opportunity to speak with NDAHIMANA Pascal, Deputy Director of PLP.  PLP student members at APE asked many questions regarding both the logistics and purpose of the walk.  They immediately understood it's purpose and believed it was a chance for them, as youth of Rwanda, to participate and have the opportunity to stand together to eradicate genocide ideology.  Students promised to participate, inform and invite others.  

In India, the W2R team is working hard to train it's members to lead discussions on genocide prevention.  On Saturday, they plan to have an event at Pudukkotal where they will discuss the role of the youth in the reconciliation process, achieving justice, granting forgiveness and preventing genocide in the future.

Walk to Remember 2010 Highlights

In 2010, Walk to Remember had the privilege of hosting President Paul Kagame.  Not only did His Excellency greet the crowd with an inspirational speech encouraging the youth to be leaders today and always, but he also walked with approximately 10,000 of his countrymen and women from the Parliament to Amahoro Stadium. 

"The youth of Rwanda have the great responsibility and opportunity to learn the lessons of the past and work together to build a united country, free of genocide ideology. Walk to Remember is a great way to raise awareness about the negative effects of genocide while encouraging youth to be leaders today and for the future." - President Paul Kagame

Update - 10 Mar 2011

OOOOOhhhh Canada! 

Walk to Remember 2011 is proud to announce that Walk to Remember activities will take place in Edmonton Canada this year!!!! 

In total, Walk to Remember activities will be taking place on four continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America), ten countries (Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, DR Congo, India, UK, USA, Canada) and will host a total of 20 walks.

Get Your Walk to Remember Wristband!!!!

For more information on how to get your own, email us at walktoremember2011@gmail.com or call the numbers listed above.  

100% of proceeds go towards Walk to Remember program costs. 

Update - 8 Mar 2011

Today interviews took place for additional individuals interested in participating in Walk to Remember 2011.  Members of PLP met at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center to learn more about each individual, determine a potential role for them, and explain the tasks at hand in each country.  Team trainings will begin this weekend by the As We Forgive Rwanda Initiative and PLP members.  

We are excited to welcome new members to our team! 

Meet Richard

Richard is also a founding member of Peace and Love Proclaimers (PLP). He serves as the Head of UNC Departments and is involved in many of PLP's community service projects, such as, The Watchman. Richard has been a member of the Walk to Remember team since 2009.  In 2010, he had the privilege of addressing over 5,000+ of his countrymen and women while sharing the stage with President Paul Kagame. He is a leader among his peers who is known for his amazing voice and friendly demeanor. Richard is studying IT at the National University of Rwanda in Butare and is currently assisting in the coordination of Walk to Remember activities in Rwanda and throughout East Africa.

1) Why do you participate as an organizer for W2R? What drives you? 

W2R is a chance given to me to make the world a better place without me worrying about how influent or wealthy I am. I am driven by the thirst of harmony and peace.  

2) What makes you proud to be Rwandan?

What makes me proud to be Rwandan is first of all the beauty of the country (physical aspects: the thousand hills, lakes, the cool weather, etc.) then the way we as Rwandans have conditioned ourselves to believe that we are better than people from other countries which makes us love the country more and more every day knowing this: God spends his day travelling the world and when it to comes to rest and relax he is in Rwanda.

3) What do you wish people knew about Rwanda?

The thirst for a better united and developed nation we carry in our hearts as Rwandans.

4) What is vision for Rwanda and the entire continent in ten years? 

I am looking forward to seeing Rwanda rise as an economic superpower in Africa and a school for development that was built on true reconciliation of the people and an everlasting unity. I also see an Africa free of war that rises to teach the world the values of a real human because I believe those values lie in the cradle of humanity which is Africa. 

5) How do you bring about change in your community?

I learn from the best to be a better person in order for me to be a living testimony of the change I am looking for: it is a journey towards perfection.

6) What do you think is the leading cause of war or genocide in one word?
Selfishness 

7) If you were asked to describe yourself with one word, what would it be?  
Lazy

8) What do you want to be remembered for? 

I want to be remembered for having tried my level best to do what is right and that I might have reached somewhere in my journey.

9) Favorite Rwandan delicacy?

Cow milk, and ugali

10) Your definition of success? 

I share this definition with someone else who said: "It's simply a matter of doing what you do best and not worrying about what the other fellow is going to do."

Bonus: What song makes you want to bust a move? 

Lucky Dube all time heat: "

Together as One" 

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Thanks, Richard!!