This tiny dot on the map of Africa experienced an horrific tragedy and destruction: in just 100 days in 1994, about 800,000 people were slaughtered in Rwanda.
Today, the country has rebuilt* from the ashes of the genocide.
*The rebuilt has been driven by 3 main sources: the export of tea and coffee; foreign aid, and the tourism trade.
When I entered Rwanda from Rusumo in Tanzania, and after thousands of kms inhaling red dust and dancing on the potholes’ flow, I was shocked to discover the road conditions in Rwanda.
Tarred roads, trash-free, plastic bag-free, a mesmerising green land where banana plants are the main characters, cute and neat typical houses along the scenic road, ambitious cyclists, speed radars (EVERYWHERE!), pharmacies, clinics, schools, elegant ladies and stylish gentlemen.
YES, I WOULD HAVE NEVER IMAGINED TO SEE THIS!
My first emotions: surprised, relieved, and very happy for Rwanda.
But I was born in France, and I cannot hide or forget this shame and anger I feel against the French government. I can’t believe the genocide has only be recognised in 2021! And that the archives (well, the ones which have not been burnt) are accessible since 2017 only!
So recent. So painful. So unfair.
I’ve never been taught the real history of Rwanda during my scholarship. Never. And it’s not an isolated case.
This needs to stop. The educative system needs to achieve transparency and objectivity (impartiality) when teaching History.
Our children -students- deserve to grow up and to become through a truthful education -when they have the privilege to access education.
Please, can you give me your thoughts on that matter? Is History taught in a transparent way in your country? Is it possible to reach objectivity when teaching History for every countries in the world?
Access to education is a privilege, we have to take care of it.
Comments