Renowned author Kayitesi Judence, best known for her memoir A Broken Life, has released her third book, The Unity Quest. This new publication is designed as an educational resource for primary and secondary school students, aiming to teach them about Rwanda’s history over the past 30 years.
The book focuses on
themes of unity, reconciliation, and the devastating impact of division,
hatred, and separation, which led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Through engaging storytelling, it emphasizes the importance of learning from
history to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Kayitesi explained her
motivation for writing The Unity Quest, saying, “This book is
dedicated to young students to help them understand Rwanda’s history,
especially the genocide and its causes.” She describes it as a blend of
history and moral education, teaching children about unity, respect, and the
dangers of hatred.
The inspiration for the
book came from her interactions with German students while discussing A
Broken Life. She noticed their eagerness to learn about Rwanda’s history,
which reinforced her belief in the power of storytelling as a teaching tool.
Illustrations in the book
bring personal experiences to life, depicting moments from Kayitesi’s
past. “There’s a scene where children at school pointed at me, saying,
‘We’ll take your shoes because you’ll die soon.’ They had heard their parents
say we would be killed,” she recalls. These visual stories make the book
more accessible and impactful for young readers.
Approved by
Rwanda’s Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), The
Unity Quest is recognized as a valuable educational tool for the
younger generation. It offers a clear, engaging narrative alongside
thought-provoking reflection questions, making it ideal for classroom learning.
Kayitesi, a survivor
of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, has dedicated her work to preserving
historical truth and countering genocide denial. She believes that writing
plays a crucial role in documenting history and educating future generations.
In addition to her books,
her brother, Valens Kabarari, produced the documentary Vivant: Les
Chemins de la Mémoire, based on A Broken Life. Kayitesi
encourages Rwandans to use their multilingual abilities to share their stories
widely, ensuring that their history and culture reach as many people as
possible.
Kayitesi
Judence launches her third book, The Unity Quest, to help students learn
Rwanda’s history
She
wrote the book based on her personal experiences and life journey
A
mother of three, Kayitesi is a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,
which left her orphaned
The
book is now available in Germany and Rwanda, published under her own label, Inzozi
Publisher
Kin
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