“OUR PAST,” an annual youth event dedicated to commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, makes a return.

Started by Sick City Entertainment, a local contemporary dance group, the event is dedicated tow uniting the youth through performances that reflect on that tragic event.

Christian Ntwari, one of the organisers of the event, said they have been struggling to get sponsorship especially from public institutions.

“Government institutions are yet to embrace the concept. Their attitude towards this event is worrying,” said Mr Ntwari.

However, this year is the eighth edition and companies like Cogebank, Prime Insurance and Kiphalma have offered their support.

Our Past is hoping to run on a budget of between Rwf4.5 million to Rwf5.5 millions. This year’s event will take place on April 9, at Kigali’s Gisozi Amphitheatre and will feature theatre productions, poetry, music and dance pieces.

The event first attracted about 500 young people to now over 2,000 participants. Besides the annual event, which takes place in April, Our Past hosts different activities over the course of the year aimed at helping Genocide survivors.

Money raised through the event has been used to cater for the welfare of survivors from Icyizere Village, Kanombe in Kicukiro district, then Ntarama Village in Bugesera district.