Transmitting Memories in Rwanda: From a Survivor Parent to the Next Generation

by Claver Irakoze, Caroline Williamson Sinalo

Known for its breathtaking scenery, the central-east African country of Rwanda lived through one of the worst episodes of violence of the late 20th century, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, in which over a million people were brutally murdered in 100 days.This book recounts the personal story of Claver Irakoze who survived the genocide as an eleven-year-old child and, like other Rwandans of his generation, is now grappling with the heavy responsibility of raising children in the post-genocide context.Tracing the various stages of Irakoze's life experiences, each chapter teases out issues surrounding childhood, parenting and the transmission of memories between generations. The final chapter draws on Irakoze's personal and professional experience to provide some reflections on managing memories of genocide within the family.

206 pages, Hardcover

Published January 12, 2022

Reviews

[Jeff Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written personal account of his experiences during and after the genocide and reflection on how to involve children in the conversations and education regarding the events. It's connection of personal and historical events is great. The telling of the story with a focus on how to engage family life with the history and tragedy. The principles for discussion with a child align with other things I have read on the subject. But this connection to genocide shows how the principles permeate family and national history. This work of the author is very important and this book is very well done. It is available at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

[Brittany Ciupka · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this part academic/part memoir book, Irakoze explains his thesis of how sharing our experiences can help us grow. With the central aim to educate Genocide survivors navigate parenthood whilst still processing their own trauma, Irakoze recounts his own experience as an 11-year-old Genocide survivor. His five principles can easily be adapted to any parent, particularly those who have experienced trauma or loss. His openness to tell his story in hopes of a better future for the next generation is truly beautiful.