Why Rwanda?

I’ve been asked this question many times. Why not focus on needy people in the U.S., my own country? A state or city close by? Why did you pick Rwanda? The simple answer is: Calling. I felt intensely curious and pushed to pursue the Rwandan story. To understand how Rwandans are rising up from the ashes of genocide into living together peacefully (read more, below).

We are one world, one people. I don’t think it matters where you give your time, talent, or money. As long as you give. — Mavis Bauman, SEED President

1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi: A Brief History

100 Days

During the spring and summer of 1994, members of the Hutu majority government carried out a genocidal mass slaughter of the Tutsi in Rwanda. During the 100-day period from April 7th to mid-July, 1994, an estimated 500,000–1,000,000 Rwandans were killed, decimating as much as 70% of the Tutsi population. Additionally, 30% of the Pygmy Batwa were killed. The genocide and widespread slaughter of Rwandans ended when the Tutsi-backed and heavily armed Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) led by Paul Kagame took control of the country. An estimated 2,000,000 Rwandans, mostly Hutus, were displaced and became refugees. (Source: Wikipedia)

For more analysis, read “The Triumph of Evil,” a PBS interview of Philip Gourevitch, staff writer of the New Yorker and author of “We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families.”