10 Things to Do at the Ntarama Genocide Memorial in Kamembe Rwanda
The Ntarama Genocide Memorial in Kamembe Rwanda is a solemn reminder of the 1994 genocide that took place in the country. Located in the Bugesera district, the memorial is a place of remembrance and reflection, honoring the victims of the genocide and providing a powerful reminder of the tragedy that occurred in Rwanda. Here are 10 things to do when visiting the Ntarama Genocide Memorial.
1. Tour the Memorial: A guided tour of the memorial is the best way to learn about the genocide and to understand the magnitude of the tragedy. Tours are available in English, French, and Kinyarwanda, and provide visitors with a comprehensive overview of the genocide, as well as the memorial itself.
2. Attend a Commemoration Ceremony: Every April 7th, a commemoration ceremony is held at the memorial to honor the victims of the genocide. The ceremony is attended by survivors, family members of the victims, and government officials.
3. Visit the Church: The memorial is located on the grounds of the Ntarama Church, which was the site of a massacre during the genocide. The church still stands today and visitors can explore the building and view the bullet holes and other evidence of the massacre.
4. Reflect in the Garden of Peace: The Garden of Peace is a tranquil and peaceful area located within the memorial. Visitors can take a moment to reflect and remember the victims of the genocide.
5. View the Exhibits: The memorial features several exhibits that provide visitors with an in-depth look at the genocide and its aftermath. Exhibits include photographs, documents, and artifacts related to the genocide.
6. Listen to Survivor Testimonies: The memorial also features audio recordings of survivor testimonies, providing visitors with a powerful and personal look at the genocide.
7. Take a Moment of Silence: At the end of the tour, visitors are encouraged to take a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of the genocide.
8. Visit the Memorial Museum: The memorial also features a museum, which contains artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the genocide.
9. Visit the Memorial Park: The memorial park is a tranquil area located outside the memorial, where visitors can take a moment to reflect and remember the victims of the genocide.
10. Attend a Lecture: The memorial also hosts lectures and seminars on the genocide and its aftermath. These lectures provide visitors with an in-depth look at the genocide and its impact on Rwanda.
Visiting the Ntarama Genocide Memorial is an important and powerful experience. It is a place of remembrance and reflection, honoring the victims of the genocide and providing a powerful reminder of the tragedy that occurred in Rwanda.