Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, has urged teachers to fully teach Rwanda's history without omission. He stressed that this approach would help students grow with a thorough and accurate understanding of the country's past, preventing future generations from being misled.
During a session on September 23, 2024, Dr. Bizimana addressed a group of teachers undergoing training aimed at improving how Rwanda's history is taught. The session took place at the Nkumba Center for Civic Education in Burera District.
Dr. Bizimana highlighted how Rwanda's unity was disrupted by colonial powers starting in 1900, leading to divisive politics and ethnic segregation, which impacted various sectors, including education. He explained that the classification of Rwandans into ethnic groups like Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa was used by the colonial regime to divide the nation, with lasting negative effects.
The minister pointed out gaps in the current teaching of history, noting that many students complete their education without fully understanding Rwanda’s journey through colonialism and its fight for liberation. Teachers have expressed concerns about their lack of deep knowledge on key historical issues, such as the impact of colonialism and the ideologies that led to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Some teachers have admitted to avoiding certain sensitive historical topics, fearing legal consequences or triggering painful memories. This has led to an incomplete teaching of Rwanda's history, especially when covering events before and during the genocide.
One of the participants, Etienne Sibomana, shared that teachers often avoid these topics to prevent reopening historical wounds, particularly for those with family ties to individuals involved in the genocide.
Teachers Alodie Abajeneza and Solange Mukashyaka expressed confidence that the new training materials would help them teach history more effectively. They emphasized the importance of comprehensive guides to aid their instruction.
Students have also raised concerns about the limited time dedicated to Rwandan history in schools. Leandre Izihirwe, a student, mentioned that while much time is spent on foreign history, Rwandan history is often condensed, leaving them with unanswered questions. The hope is that better-trained teachers will address this gap.
A total of 2,949 teachers across the country will participate in this program, with the goal of ensuring that Rwanda’s history, including the genocide, is taught thoroughly. The revised curriculum includes new teaching materials that allow students to not only learn through lectures but also through visits to historical sites, providing a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s past and its progress.
This training is part of a broader initiative involving multiple government ministries to enhance history education across the country.
