The Courage to Be Seen

Vulnerability and Strength in Rwanda during Kwibuka 25

“Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” — Brene Brown

The Akilah campus was quiet last week. We’ve been taking pause for Kwibuka — Rwanda’s 25th commemoration period of remembrance and mourning for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

Rwanda courageously embraces the truth of a tragic past — while bravely declaring a commitment to a transformed future. H.E. President Paul Kagame said in his recent commemoration speech:

“Remembrance also serves to help spur change for the better.”

Rwanda shows up and lets herself be seen, in both her strength and her vulnerability.

This resolve can be seen throughout the country — with record-setting numbers of women represented in leadership, a profound commitment to sustainable development, and — as we see daily at Akilah — a commitment to education that not only lifts people out of poverty, but boldly innovates solutions for the world’s most pressing problems.

(Rwanda’s 15 most amazing accomplishments)

Vulnerability and strength may seem like opposites. But our strength and creativity actually emerge directly from our willingness to be vulnerable. We deeply admire Rwanda for turning “remembrance” into tangible action this April.