In 1994 the Hutu majority in Rwanda slaughtered approximately one million Tutsi and moderate Hutu who refused to take part in the slaughter. It was the worst example of genocide since the World War II killing of the Jews. Approximately one million Rwandans were killed, men, women, and children, many hacked to death with machetes.
Now, once a month, all Rwandans between the ages of 18 and 65 must take part in community service for three hours. The day of service is called Umuganda. Each community picks a project, and Rwandans, both Tutsi and Hutu, must participate.
Rwanda is not paradise. The President, Paul Kagame, in office since 2000, recently pushed a constitutional amendment allowing him to be elected for a third term. Nonetheless, it is qhard to imagine living in a country where approximately one half of the population tried to kill the other half. The Rwandans are attempting to atone and to forgive. It is an amazing undertaking, and I hope it will succeed.
I learned about Umuganda in an article by Megan Specia in the New York Times, (26 Apr. 2017), p. A6.
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