Christian Intwari

Christian is transforming Rwanda’s post-genocide reconciliation by educating youth on the nation’s history in relatable and engaging ways. Through Our Past Initiative, he integrates songs, poems, and theater with hands-on community support that connects them with survivors and perpetrators fostering healing and dialogue.

Christian introduces an innovative and comprehensive approach to addressing the generational divide in Rwanda, particularly the lack of knowledge and understanding among young people about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This gap in historical knowledge has been a critical issue, as many young people grow up without direct access to the stories of their parents who find it too painful to share their experiences. Through a combination of creative expression and hands-on engagement, Christian has developed a unique method to attract and engage youth in the reconciliation process. By integrating dance, poetry, theatre, and other artistic forms into educational events, he captures the attention of young people in a relatable and engaging way.

Christian’s approach blends the use of art and performance to communicate the history of the genocide with trauma-informed workshops and creating a platform for cross-generational dialogue. By engaging both survivors and perpetrators in structured dialogues and digital storytelling Christian ensures that the painful stories of the past are preserved and shared in a way that is both emotionally impactful and educational. He goes further in his approach by integrating genocide education into the national curriculum and encouraging youth participation in the ongoing reconciliation efforts, fostering empathy and understanding through personal involvement. In addition, he entrusts young people by appointing them as ambassadors for reconciliation creating a ripple effect where youth not only learn but also teach and engage others, thus spreading the message of healing across Rwanda and beyond.

His impact is transformative, addressing not only the historical knowledge gap but also promoting cultural sensitivity and healing. By engaging youth in the hands-on reconstruction of survivor homes, health initiatives, and other community support activities Christian has created a practical pathway for young people to directly contribute to the reconciliation process. These efforts have led to the creation of an educational fund for the children of perpetrators, highlighting the capacity to turn the conversation into tangible action. With plans to expand this model nationally by 2026 and replicate it in other countries affected by historical trauma, Christian is not only reshaping Rwanda’s understanding of its past but also providing a scalable, replicable model for other regions.

Rwanda’s path to healing and reconciliation is deeply challenged by a widening gap between the generation that lived through the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the younger population, which now makes up approximately 65% of the country’s citizens. The genocide in which an estimated 1 million people were killed in 100 days left profound scars. Although 30 years have passed, the trauma remains fresh and the ability to communicate these painful experiences to those born after the genocide is hindered by emotional, psychological, and social barriers. Survivors, still grappling with the weight of their past, often find it emotionally unbearable to recount their stories. For many, sharing these painful memories is not only distressing but can reawaken old wounds, making it difficult to talk about.

On the other side, the perpetrators of the genocide (many of whom were young people then) carry the burden of guilt, shame, and fear of judgment, which complicates their ability to openly discuss their actions. The youth were particularly vulnerable to being manipulated and coerced into committing atrocities during the genocide, thus emphasizing the critical importance of engaging young people today in understanding the full scope of this history. These experiences serve as a reminder that young people if left uninformed or misinformed, could once again be swayed by harmful ideologies as they were in the past.

The gap between those who lived through the genocide and the younger generation is not just a historical concern, but a pressing social issue with far-reaching implications for Rwanda’s future. The younger generation’s role is not just passive; they are essential in ensuring that Rwanda does not repeat past mistakes. Existing solutions to bridge this gap have often failed because they have not adequately tackled the root causes of the communication barriers. These shortcomings have left many survivors and young people without the tools necessary for a meaningful exchange, leading to a sense of apathy.

This challenge is made worse by the lack of structured platforms or tools to facilitate dialogue between generations. Without these mechanisms, the transmission of historical knowledge and emotional understanding is fragmented, leaving the younger population at risk of developing a superficial or distorted understanding of the genocide. Their perception is often shaped by hearsay, incomplete narratives, or overly simplistic accounts rather than by a deep and nuanced understanding of the complexities.

Rwanda’s diaspora further complicates this issue. Statistically, more Rwandans live abroad than in the country itself. Within these communities, divisive ideologies rooted in the past continue to persist, further threatening the country’s efforts toward reconciliation. These lingering ideologies demonstrate the importance of engaging younger generations within Rwanda and the diaspora as they hold a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future. Without effective education and dialogue, these harmful ideas could take root once again, especially among vulnerable youth who may be susceptible to manipulation.

Christian's personal journey of bridging the generational divide in Rwanda began with his own family's reluctance to discuss the traumatic past. As a child of survivors, Christian noticed that his parents, though deeply affected by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, were hesitant to share their experiences with him and his siblings. This silence was not unique to his family. As he began to connect with his peers, he realized that many young Rwandans were in the same position—disconnected from the painful history of their country, with no clear path to understanding the trauma that shaped their nation. This collective silence became a profound issue that Christian sought to address.

Christian took the first step toward breaking this silence by organizing a youth event titled Let Us Know About Our Past, which combined performances—such as dance, music, and poetry—with discussions about the genocide. These events created a platform for young people to engage with Rwanda's history in a way that felt relevant and accessible. The success of this first event, which attracted 250 participants, laid the foundation for his work. Today, Our Past events have become a major platform for intergenerational dialogue, with over 6,000 participants in the most recent event. What began as a youth-centered initiative now draws in people of all ages, including parents and older generations, who share their stories and engage in discussions with the youth. This shift in dynamics demonstrates the growing recognition of the importance of open dialogue across generations.

A key to the success of these events is the use of art as a medium to keep young people engaged. By integrating songs, dances, and poetry, Christian has created a captivating way to pass on the history and experiences of the genocide making the stories of survivors and perpetrators more relatable and emotionally resonant. Art becomes a bridge that connects youth to the painful realities of the past while allowing them to process these experiences in a creative way. The use of art also keeps young people invested ensuring that they remain actively involved in the broader conversation about Rwanda's history.

Christian recognized that understanding the past wasn’t enough, young people needed to engage with the real-life effects of the genocide. To bridge this gap, he added a hands-on element to Our Past Initiative. The youth participants not only engage in dialogue but also take part in community service projects like helping survivors rebuild their homes, providing social support and assisting with health and educational needs. In the process, they learn about the ongoing impacts of the genocide and interact with the very people whose lives were affected by it. The youth have even started to mobilize themselves to raise funds for these activities, turning them into a community-driven effort that allows them to contribute directly to the healing process. This hands-on approach has been vital in fostering empathy and understanding as young people aren’t just talking about the effects of the genocide—they are witnessing and participating in the reconstruction efforts. This exposure fosters a deeper understanding and empathy, allowing young people to become agents of change in their own right.

The success of these initiatives has also inspired youth participants to take their commitment further. Many have started new programs, such as an educational fund to support the children of perpetrators (often carrying generational guilt) allowing them to go to school and break the cycle of trauma. These suggestions were driven by the youth themselves, illustrating the growing ownership they feel over the reconciliation process.

One of the most innovative aspects of Our Past Initiative has been the creation of Our Past Circles, intergenerational dialogue forums that bring together survivors, perpetrators, and youth in a structured environment to discuss their shared history. These circles have played a crucial role in healing, providing a safe space for people to confront their pasts, share their stories and begin the reconciliation process. Through these circles, survivors can share their painful memories, perpetrators can reflect on their actions and young people can learn about the complex nature of Rwanda’s history while developing a sense of responsibility for shaping the future. This dialogue has proven transformative, offering a platform for understanding and healing across generational lines.

Christian’s vision extends beyond his work in the community. At the same time, he is engaging corporate organizations and the media, leveraging their platforms and resources to spread awareness and foster broader societal change. As his work gains traction, Christian has expanded his reach to the Rwandan diaspora encouraging Rwandan students studying abroad to form Our Past clubs in their universities. These clubs not only serve as spaces for sharing Rwanda's history but also provide opportunities for young Rwandans abroad to connect with the ongoing healing process back home many of them even returning to participate in hands-on activities.

Looking ahead, Christian plans to scale the initiative nationally by 2026, ensuring that Our Past becomes an integral part of Rwanda’s cultural and educational landscape. The initiative’s model is highly adaptable, and as youth participation has grown, many young people from other regions of Rwanda have taken the lead in spreading the message in their communities. These youth ambassadors are helping to ensure that Our Past reaches all the districts in Rwanda. They are also already taking steps to expand into neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, where the need for reconciliation and historical education is equally pressing.

Christian’s early life was profoundly shaped by the tragic events of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. At just three years old, he experienced the devastating impact of the genocide, which resulted in the loss of his sister and left both of his parents mourning the death of their extended family members. Growing up amid the struggle for survival and food shortages, Christian witnessed the immense challenges faced by a nation rebuilding itself.

As a teenager, Christian channeled his resilience into a passion for dance. While in high school, he founded one of Rwanda’s most successful dance groups with his friends. He quickly rose to the role of manager, a name he goes by now as a nickname. In this position, he organized events and competitions, marking his first entrepreneurial venture. His leadership and organizational skills were instrumental in the group's success, showcasing his ability to mobilize resources and drive initiatives.

It was through conversations with his dance team that Christian discovered a surprising gap in knowledge among his peers: none of them had learned about the genocide from their parents, though they all had a strong desire to understand their history. This realization led him to start the "Tell Us About Our Past" initiative, which eventually evolved into what is today Our Past Initiative. His work in this area has not only made significant strides in bridging generational divides within Rwanda but also allowed him to represent his country on international stages, sharing Rwanda’s history and promoting reconciliation globally. Christian believes that by delving into Rwanda's historical narrative and fostering a collective understanding of the past, Rwanda can continue its journey of healing and progress towards a brighter future not only for itself but also for the world.