ALX KIGALI, Code Empowerment Progress, a youth-led organisation gathered fellow Rwandans in a thought-provoking conversation about the youth’s role in combating genocide through technology.
Following a sorrowful minute of silence in memory of the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the CEO of Code Empowerment Progress, Ornella Uwase Ndahiro, currently a senior in high school, opened the discussion by casting a light on the utilities young people possess in fighting genocide ideology. All through technology.
A plea later emphasized in a one-minute video which displayed the types of information one could find online when searching for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
“They still call it the Rwandan Genocide, but we call it the 1994 genocide against Tutsis. As if it wasn’t enough, they estimate that
approximately 800,000 people were massacred through those hundred days. Six people died per one minute.” said Shifaa Uwineza, the Code Empowerment Progress Digital lead, on the various irregularities of data on the internet.
“If you listen to victims’ testimonies, they would tell you that they witnessed much more,” she continued, presenting the different features their platform offered, “We know there are thousands of websites online that discuss our bitter past, but all we could do as a team is craft one more. Our originality, however, lies in the different features it offers. We have sections for documentaries, book recommendations, and testimonials, and we plan to expand in the future,”
In her remarks, she said, “Our plea to all attendees of today’s event is this: if you’re a programmer, content writer, podcaster, or storyteller, join us! Lend us a hand; there’s still much more we can do for the victims we mourn each year.”
Kevin Ntwari, Chief Operations Officer of Code Empowerment Progress, moderated a 30-minute panel on the theme, “The Role of Youth in Combating Genocide Ideology through Technology.” where Dr Joseph Ryarasa, the co-founder and executive director of Never Again Rwanda, iterated on technology’s potential in acting as a vigilant guardian, detecting early indicators of genocide in vulnerable areas. He stated that this could be a crucial step toward prevention.
Alongside him, panellists such as Jean-Paul Nyiribakwe, Director of Programs at Ibuka, and Wilson Kageruka, founder of Tarama Rwanda, highlighted the power of digital storytelling, art and culture in amplifying survivor voices and combating genocidal ideology.
Maddie Noella, a YouTube Content Creator and Influencer, took the stage to share vital thoughts on combating genocide creeds and false narratives on social media.
The event successfully brought forward the conscious notions of social media, identity, legacy and mental health among the youth as a reminder to contribute more towards preserving Rwanda’s history, now and in the future.
The Code Empowerment Progress team also urged the attendees’ support in their continued mission of fighting genocide ideology, stating, “Today, we are a youth-led organization that empowers others through technology, education, talks, and games. All we could do during this one-week mourning period was to call upon you and present an idea for a website we want to bring to life. If you are able and believe you can help, please do not hesitate to reach out,”
In a final plea, “And remember to research, read, listen, watch, and learn about our past! After all, you might wish to lead a tech-powered presentation with us,”
