If one were to observe a minute of silence for every victim of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, one would go mute for nearly two years. Few words can fully capture how low humanity once fell. Yet perhaps even fewer words can truly describe the extraordinary strength and resilience of a people who, against all odds, chose life, chose unity, and continue to show up every day to reveal the brighter side of humanity.
On this May 8, 2026, the team at Solid Minds Counselling Clinic came together to commemorate Kwibuka32, joining the nation and the world in remembering the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It was a day marked by silence, reflection, difficult emotions, and deep humanity.
As a team that works every day at the intersection of healing, mental health, and human connection, this was a moment to pause from the urgency of daily work and stand in the presence of history. It was an opportunity to reflect on pain, resilience, responsibility, and the role each of us plays in shaping the kind of society future generations will inherit.
Our team visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where we laid a wreath of flowers on the mass grave in honor of the thousands of lives laid to rest there. In that quiet act of remembrance, words became insufficient. The memorial reminded us not only of the unimaginable horrors of the genocide, but also of the dignity of remembrance and the responsibility of preserving memory.
The visit carried particular significance for us as mental health professionals and advocates. Every day, we witness how deeply human experiences shape lives. We see how pain can linger across years and generations, but we also witness the remarkable strength people carry within themselves, the courage to heal, rebuild, forgive, and continue living.
After the visit, the team gathered for a moment of collective reflection. Each reflection revealed how remembrance affects people differently, yet still brings us together in a shared commitment to humanity.
Here are some of the reflections shared by members of our team:
“Even though it was not my first time visiting the memorial, I never get used to this place. Every visit feels different because it brings out new emotions and new thoughts. It always speaks to another part of me.”
“Today, I felt connected to the spirit of resilience. I left feeling empowered and ready to forgive, even to those who have not asked for forgiveness yet.”
“Despite what happened during the genocide, people still chose to continue living, rebuilding, and showing up for one another. Today, I felt hopeful. There is still hope in humanity.”
“ “Protect one life and you will protect the whole universe.” This reminded me that we do not have to carry the weight of saving the entire world all at once. Our role is to protect and support one person at a time. Sometimes, saving one life is saving an entire world.”
“I was moved to see young people visiting the memorial and learning this history for themselves. This history must continue to be protected, taught, and preserved so that future generations understand where humanity failed and why it should never happen again.”
“Hatred often begins in small ways – through words, attitudes, silence, or how we treat one another daily. We must be intentional about building communities rooted in critical thinking, empathy, and humanity. We can disagree and still live together without dehumanizing each other.”
“What gives me hope is seeing the intention in people and in the country’s efforts to preserve this history and teach it to younger generations. That commitment gives meaning to remembrance.”
“We still see hatred and conflict in our daily lives here and around the world. As a small team, we may not be able to change everything, but we can do our part by helping our country heal through the work we do every day, and striving to become better human beings for our families and communities.”
Kwibuka is never only about mourning the past. It is also about protecting the future. It reminds us that healing is both individual and collective, and that remembrance carries responsibility.
As Solid Minds Counselling Clinic, we ended this commemoration carrying both the weight of memory and the responsibility of hope. We remain committed to creating spaces where people feel heard, supported, and valued. We remain committed to promoting empathy, compassion, and mental wellbeing in our communities. And above all, we remain committed to choosing humanity.
Remember | Unite | Renew