Day 3: Understanding Rwanda’s Story

Kigali, Community, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial

Thursday, April 14th, 2026

When we arrived in Kigali, it was already dark outside, I could see the city lights and sense the energy around us, but it wasn’t until the next morning that I truly experienced Kigali for the first time.

As we traveled through the city, I was immediately taken by its beauty. The streets were clean, the landscape was vibrant and green, and there was a sense of life everywhere. People were walking, shopping, taking with friends, and going about their daily routines. The city felt energetic and welcoming.

One of my early observations was the sheer number of motos, moving around the city, they were everywhere, weaving through traffic and serving as an important mode of transportation for many residents. Combined with the bustling streets, local businesses, and people moving throughout the city, Kigali felt alive in a way that was both exciting and inspiring.

One of our first stops was a local shopping center that included a Simba, a popular grocery store. As someone who enjoys observing everyday life when traveling, I found the experience fascinating. Walking through the aisles gave me an opportunity to see the products people purchase, the brands available in Rwanda, and some of the similarities and differences compared to grocery stores back home. It was a small but meaningful glimpse into daily life and consumer culture.

After gathering a few essentials for the weeks ahead, a few of us spent time exploring the area surrounding our hotel, the Saint Famille Hotel. Located directly across from the hotel is the Saint Famille Church, a site that carries significant historical importance in Rwanda’s history and its connection to the events of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. During the genocide, many people sought refuge in churches and religious institutions, hoping they would be places of safety. Saint Famille became one of the sites connected to the tragic events that unfolded, the priest who was supposed to protect those seeking refuge, turned on them, leading to a mass genocide inside of the church. Standing there gave me a reminder that Rwanda’s history is not confined to memorials, museums, or history books. It exists within the communities, buildings, and spaces that continue to serve the public today.

There was something powerful about witnessing a community that continues to move forward while carrying the memory of its past.

On our wya to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, we stopped briefly at a local outdoor market. Vendors sold clothing and other goods. It was another opportunity to observe the rhythm of daily life and appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit that exists throughout Kigali.

Later that afternoon, we arrived at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Nothing could have fully prepared me for what I would experience there.

As we moved through the exhibits, we learned about Rwanda’s history, the factors that contributed to the genocide, and the devastating impact the violence had on individuals, families, and communities across the country. Through photography, personal stories, historical timelines, and survivor accounts, the memorial provided context that helped me better understand both the tragedy itself and the resilience that followed.

What impacted me most was the realization that the history we were learning about was not distant history. I realized that many people that we would meet throughout our trip had lived through these events themselves or were directly connected to family members who had experienced them.

The experience was emotional and at times, overwhelming. Yet amid the grief and sadness, I was equally struck by Rwanda’s commitment to remembrance, healing, and reconciliation. Throughout the memorial, there was a consistent message that remembering the past is essential to building a more peaceful future.

One of the most moving ascents of our visit was seeing families who had come to honor their loved ones. Some gathered quietly in reflection. Others brought photographs and shared time together in the memorial gardens. The space served not only as a historical site, but as a place of remembrance, healing, and connection.

I was also deeply moved by the beauty of the memorial gardens and reflection spaces. They provided moments of peace amid the weight of the stories being shared. The contrast felt intentional, a reminder that even after profound loss, healing remains possible.

Leaving the memorial, I had a much deeper appreciation for Rwanda’s journey and of the resilience of its people. Understanding the country’s history helped me better understand the remarkable transformation that is visible throughout Kigali today.

That evening, our group gathered for dinner at Khana Khazana, a local Indian restaurant. After such an emotional and thought provoking day, the meal provided an opportunity to relax, reflect, and connect with fellow Mercer students. We shared out thoughts about the memorial, discussed what stood out to us most, and continued building relationships with one another.

As the evening came to a close, our attention shifted to the next adventure ahead. We needed to prepare for an 4am departure to Akagera National Park, where we would be going on a safari!

Day 3 provided a deeper understanding of the country’s past, a greater appreciation for its present, and a growing sense of anticipation for all that’s to come.