Tuesday night saw the launch of Rwanda Week, a series of events to commemorate the fifteenth anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, which runs until Saturday. All events are at 45 Willcocks Street, in the William Doo Auditorium.
The week’s events focus on recovery and healing in post-genocidal Rwanda.
“It is only through memories that we can establish anything peaceful,” said event organizer and genocide survivor Sharangabo Ntare. He added that raising awareness and listening to survivors’ stories is the only way genocide prevention is possible.
At the opening ceremony Tuesday, representatives to Toronto mayor David Miller proclaimed April 7 as the Day of Reflection on the Rwanda Genocide.
Doctors Without Borders founder James Orbinski will speak tonight. Friday evening will feature survivor testimonies and a televised interview with scholar Gerry Caplan, author of Rwanda: The Preventable Genocide. Saturday’s closing ceremonies will see poetry readings, musical guests and a candlelit healing procession, as well as a talk by Rwanda’s former justice minister.
All events are free and open to members of the public. For more information, head to www.newcollege.utoronto.ca/aboutnew/news.htm
