No More Genocide
28 October 2009
By Gavin Sword, KF9 Rwanda
It is true that internationally, Rwanda is most known for the horrific events of 1994; a genocide that claimed the lives of more than 800,000 of its people. There is no satisfactory way to comprehend what happened here. Yet as a testament to the human spirit – life in Rwanda carries on. The people I have encountered are not dwelling on the past – they are focused on the future. Like people everywhere, they are intent on improving their circumstances, bettering themselves, connecting with others and enjoying life as best they can. As a people, they are proud of their country, whatever its past, and the strides made to move on from that dark era in Rwanda’s history are nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Rwandans I have met seem excited about their country’s new role as an emerging star of Africa and a model for peace and prosperity after enduring unspeakably difficult challenges. Wouldn’t it be nice if Rwanda becomes a shining example of reconciliation for countries around the world facing deeply ingrained, seemingly intractable issues where violence and conflict have been ‘inevitable’?
Last night, my wife and I attended a reggae dance with a local Rwandan band and many in the crowd were moved to tears when they performed a rendition of Bob Marley’s “No Woman no Cry” with the lyrics adapted in a profound and moving way. I’ve included a portion of them below;
“Good friends we have had, oh good friends we’ve lost along the way
In this bright future you can’t forget your past
So dry your tears I say…
My fear is my only courage , so I’ve got to push on thru.
And hear me say to you…
No more gen-o-cide
No more gen-o-cide
Hey little darlin, say don’t’ shed no tears;
No more gen-o-cide….
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright now”
Rwanda is not perfect and there are layers of healing that still must occur; this is evident even to a newcomer like myself. So, yes, there is still much work to be done. But as with anything in life, it is not so much where we are, but how far we have come and even more importantly where we are going. And thinking this way makes me believe that Rwanda may just become that shining example of ‘impossible’ reconciliation, peace and healing.
Entry Filed under: Africa, All, KF9 (Kiva Fellows 9th Class), Rwanda, Vision Finance Company s.a. (VFC), a partner of World Vision International. Tags: Gavin Sword, KF9, Kiva Fellows, kiva.org, microfinance, Rwanda, Vision Finance Company.
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1. Alana | 28 October 2009 at 08:19
Wow, that sounds beautiful. Thank you for sharing that!
2. Elliott Wiley | 28 October 2009 at 08:30
Hi Gavin,
Thanks for sharing your adventures. Your blogs are quite informative and paint an amazing picture of a nation in transformation and transition. Please give my regards to Leslie and I look forward to your updates. Hope that you are taking lots of photos and video.
3. Stephanie | 28 October 2009 at 09:42
Gavin -
I am all teary….
I love Bob Marley!
4. Leslie | 28 October 2009 at 10:08
This is a beautiful post.
5. alan | 28 October 2009 at 12:55
wonderful post gavin, really amazing that if/when it happens, you will have been a part of it. love you brother.
6. bgoldfinger | 28 October 2009 at 14:00
Gave me chills Gavin…
7. Jan & John, KivaFriends | 28 October 2009 at 15:41
had to go dig out Bob Marley… playing it now… thanks, we live in hope always, jan
8. Abbie | 28 October 2009 at 17:28
Thanks for sharing! We await your updates.
9. Judith Love | 28 October 2009 at 19:34
Wonderful to read your updates.
love,
aunt ‘Zooie’
10. Howard Zugman | 29 October 2009 at 05:30
Thanx for letting us know that Rwanda is aparently doing the unthinkable – that is healing! And also for showing us how much more valuable an in-the-field Kiva posting is compared to the lets-sell-another newspaper ‘articles’ we get delivered to us each morning.
11. Karen Blunt | 29 October 2009 at 08:31
Thanks for sharing, Gav! I look forward to reading more of your blogs.
12. FM, Aide de Camp | 29 October 2009 at 11:18
Wonderful ! Made my day – what an amazing experience you are having. Well deserved and well shared.
13. sandy in reno | 29 October 2009 at 14:47
it fills my heart with joy to see healing happening in Rwanda.
thank you for sharing this heart felt story…i will repost everywhere!!!!
blessings
sandy
14. guy kennaway | 30 October 2009 at 06:01
that’s more like it; for my taste please spend more time at the reggae dance and even less in the pulpit, but you canadian american people love it when it’s extra cheesy with cheese on top and cheese on the side. still – i enjoyed that, i was there for a moment with you and L. G
15. Gavin | 30 October 2009 at 08:00
my dear friend guy kennaway is (so very) British
16. Gemma | 1 November 2009 at 17:19
The dance must have been very moving, thanks for sharing.