How COVID-19 is impacting Rwanda’s youth during genocide commemoration
This year's genocide commemoration activities were cancelled and citizens had no choice but to remember from home. However, youth took upon social media to keep creating awareness of the genocide that took place in Rwanda in 1994. Laure Iyaga, Founder of Sana Initiatives joins CNBC Africa for more.
Wed, 15 Apr 2020 10:24:06 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- The shift to virtual commemoration through social media platforms
- The mental health challenges arising from isolation and lack of communal support
- The resilience and unity of the Rwandan people in navigating the commemoration period
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has reverberated across the globe, affecting various aspects of everyday life. In Rwanda, a country with a painful history of genocide, the pandemic presented unique challenges during this year's commemoration activities. With restrictions on mass gatherings and lockdown measures in place, the usual gatherings to remember the genocide against the Tutsi had to be altered. Instead, the youth of Rwanda turned to social media to keep the memory alive. Laure Iyaga, the Founder of Sana Initiatives, shed light on these unprecedented times and the resilience of the Rwandan people during a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Iyaga emphasized the importance of community and the innovative ways in which the nation has adapted to commemorate despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic. The impact of isolation, the rise in mental health issues, and the need for communal support were central themes in the conversation. Despite the challenges, the spirit of unity and togetherness have helped Rwandans navigate these difficult times. Mental health advocate, Laure Iyaga, highlighted the increased need for support and healing within the community. While the lack of physical gatherings posed challenges, the resilience of the Rwandan people continues to shine through as they find new ways to honor and remember their lost loved ones. The commemoration of the genocide remains a significant and solemn period for the nation, and despite the obstacles presented by the pandemic, the spirit of remembrance and unity endures.