Marie-Grace Mukabyagaju

Born: March 4, 1962, Nyanza, Rwanda

In 1994, Marie-Grace was a teacher, a wife, and mother of three children. She was also a Tutsi. She and her family were insulted and persecuted by Hutu for her entire life. Her father always told her to try to get along.

When the president’s plane was shot down, killings started. This time her father’s words were different: Flee! She was panicked about how she would care for her children. She and her family, including her parents, aunts, uncles and cousins, fled to a school, St. Paul’s. Some priests were afraid to let them stay. But one, Father Celestin, insisted that they stay, and found hiding places for the daytime, when soldiers might come.

Hundreds of Tutsi came to St. Paul’s. Word got out. Hutu soldiers and offcials came to the school with lists of Tutsi, and took them away. Most were never seen again. After a month, Marie-Grace’s family decided to escape from the school. As they ran away, Marie-Grace looked back in the direction of St. Paul’s and saw smoke. The school had been attacked.

They made a dangerous trek until they found Rebel Army troops, who helped them. Soon after, the Rebel Army took over the country and most of the killings stopped.

Life afterwards was very difficult. Children would scream in fear if they were left alone. Marie-Grace made a list of 300 people she knew and only 30 were still alive. She wondered if she would ever smile again.

Her mother saved her. Their house was half destroyed, but her mother said the Hutu had not won, because half of it still stood. They rebuilt the house and helped others who were worse off than they were. That helped her get back to a good life. She tries to forgive, but still finds it hard.

Click here for background information on the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.