They were young—too young to die. But they didn’t let their age define their courage or their identity. They already knew who they were: Rwandans. And they refused to let anyone influence them or divide them. Their youth did not weaken their strength—it empowered it.
Who were the Nyange students?
NYANGE STUDENTS THAT LOST LIVES ON THE DAY INTERAHAMWE BROKE INTO THE CLASSES(NIYONGIRA FERDINAND DIED LATER DUE TO THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THAT TRAGIC DAY)
The Nyange students were a group of teenagers studying at École Secondaire de Nyange, located in Ngororero District, Rwanda. In March 1997, they made a choice so brave, so powerful, that they are now remembered as Imena Heroes—a title reserved for those who show exceptional bravery and patriotism. These student heroes stood up to hatred and division, with seven of them paying the ultimate price.
Genocide denial is real.
Despite overwhelming evidence, some people still try to deny the Genocide against the Tutsi. But as Rwandans, we know the truth—and we are grateful to our leadership for helping preserve it. It is through truth that we can heal, educate, and protect future generations from repeating the past.
The Night that Changed Everything
ECOLE SECONDARY DE NYANGE’S MONUMENT BUILT TO HONOUR THE COURAGE OF NYANGE HEROES
It was on the fateful night of March 18, 1997, when infiltrators—remnants of the Interahamwe militia—broke into the school.
They first stormed into the Senior 6 (S6) classroom, then moved on to the Senior 5 (S5) classroom.
Inside, they issued a cruel order:
“Separate yourselves. Tutsi on one side, Hutu on the other.”
But the students refused.
They stood up and said: “We are all Rwandans.”
Their defiance enraged the attackers. Frustrated, the militia threw grenades and opened fire.
Many students were killed. But 40 students survived—18 from S6 and 22 from S5. Both the survivors and the seven students who lost their lives were later honored as National Heroes in the Imena category.
Their story teaches us two things:
1. Knowing the truth matters. When we are informed, we are empowered to make the right choices.
2. Age doesn’t matter. You can be young and still make a difference if your heart is brave and your purpose is clear.
Now, a message to the youth:
PHOTOS OF SOME OF THE VICTIMS IN ONE OF THE EXHIBITION ROOMS(WHERE THE MAIN ACTION TOOK PLACE)
What would you have done in that classroom?
Would you have stood for unity—even in the face of death?
The denial of the Genocide against the Tutsi is growing, especially on social media platforms. As the youth of this nation, we must protect the truth. We must speak out. We must honor those who died by refusing to stay silent.
This happened 31 years ago.
Every Rwandan—young or old—must know what happened and how it happened.
And no matter your age, you have the power to fight for your country.
Let us honor the Nyange students—not just by remembering their names, but by living their message.
Unity is our shield. Memory is our strength. #Kwibuka 31 #Remember-Unite-Renew #Twibuke Twiyubaka.
