Overview
This visit to the Gisimba Memorial Center in Kigali, Rwanda was a deeply meaningful experience. The center honors the memory of those who lost their lives during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi, while also serving the ongoing needs of the surrounding community — particularly orphaned and vulnerable children.
The Gisimba Memorial Center carries a significant historical legacy. During the genocide, Damas Gisimba sheltered hundreds of Tutsi civilians at his orphanage, at great personal risk. Today the site stands as both a place of remembrance and a center for community support and care.
What We Did
Visited the memorial site to pay respects, learn about the history of the genocide, and understand the center's role in preserving memory and supporting reconciliation.
Spent time with children and staff at the center, participating in daily activities and building connections with the community.
Contributed hands-on assistance to the center's programs and operations, working alongside local staff and community members.
Listened to the stories and perspectives shared by those connected to the center, honoring their experiences with attention and respect.
Reflections
Visiting the Gisimba Memorial Center was a humbling and profound experience. Standing in a place that bore witness to both devastating loss and extraordinary courage — the courage of one man who chose to protect others at great risk — left a lasting impression.
Rwanda's story of recovery and reconciliation is remarkable. In the decades since 1994, the country has rebuilt with remarkable determination. The center embodies this spirit: a place of grief and memory that also looks forward, supporting the children and families who are part of Rwanda's future.
This experience deepened a sense of responsibility around the work we do — the belief that education, access to tools, and community support can make a meaningful difference in people's lives, wherever they are in the world.
About the Gisimba Memorial Center
The Gisimba Memorial Center in Kigali, Rwanda honors the memory of victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi and commemorates the courage of Damas Gisimba, who sheltered hundreds of civilians at his orphanage during the genocide. The center continues to serve the community, providing care and support for vulnerable children and keeping the memory of those lost alive for future generations.