Geraldine Umutesi (center) was one of three Rwandan Genocide survivors to accept the 2009 Niarchos Prize for Survivorship on behalf of the people of Rwanda, for their resilience 15 years after genocide.  Geraldine works to empower youth through school programs and to provide survivors with the tools and support to thrive and build a better future.

"Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, as survivors of genocide against Tutsis in Rwanda, we are very honored to receive the Niarchos Survivorship Prize on behalf of His Excellence Paul Kagame and the resilient Rwandan people. 

My Name is Geraldine Umutesi, I grew up in Eastern Rwanda where my family was forced to live in a very dangerous part of the country vulnerable to animal attacks and deadly diseases. This was the prelude to the 1994 Genocide.

I was only 17 years old when the genocide began. I was hiding in a church with my older sister when the killers came to us.  As the machetes were flying she held me in her arms to protect me from the blades. The killers slaughtered her and we fell to the ground. I will never forget the flow of her hot blood at my back.

She saved me. As she held me in her arms, it was like a message for me as a survivor to hold others.

I later came to work at Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre where I received kids from high school. One day, after an education tour, one of the kid refused to go back home. I approached him and ask why. He said 'If my Dad knew that I have been at genocide memorial he will kill me because he told me to avoid Tutsi.' I called his parents and taught them to change their minds and grow their children with patriotism instead of trapping in them the genocide ideology.

My special thanks are addressed to our lovely President His Excellency Paul Kagame. He is my role model and he gave hope to all genocide survivors. He reunited the population of Rwanda and today he is pushing them towards development and encourages other African countries to move forward.

To our family killed and the soldiers who died while trying to save us, we will never forget them.  Their sacrifice has been a foundation on which we are rebuilding our new Rwanda.

To my fellow genocide survivors, I congratulate them on how they are managing the aftermath. Let us continue building our selves and contribute to the whole development of our country. Fifteen years after, I can say that, together, we shall overcome.'

I would like so say to the Rwandan Youth, Yes – Obey your parents, but when they are wrong, don’t hesitate to tell them that you are not on their side. Our country will become what we want it to be.

To Survivor Corps, thank you for this wonderful and encouraging award dedicated to the Rwandan genocide survivors for their resilience. It keeps us moving towards success and excellence.

To the audience present here today and the international community, I wish you to learn from Rwanda and fight against genocide around you. I wish you to be the agents of change and make the work comfortable to live in.  The world is in your hands." 

WATCH Geraldine's speech [youtube]

See acceptance speeches from other 2009 Niarchos Prize honorees:

Albert Gasake - Rwanda

Janvier Mujalibu - Rwanda

Nomika Zion - Israel

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish - Palestine