A new digital memorial project has been launched to help preserve and honor the names of victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The project was introduced by Aegis Trust, a UK-based organization that works to prevent genocide and support remembrance activities around the world.
The technology project, called “Pillars of Our Names”, was officially launched on 14 May 2026.
It uses modern 3D digital technology to display the names of genocide victims in the shape of memorial pillars.
Project Inspired by a Rwandan Woman in Austria
The idea behind the project came from Ancialla Umubyeyi, a Rwandan woman living in Vienna, Austria.
She first wanted to build a physical memorial wall carrying the names of Genocide victims whose families now live in Austria.
However, the proposal was not accepted in Austria.
Later, after discussions with memory artists Bele Marx and Gilles Mussard, she was advised to create a digital memorial instead of a traditional wall.
This idea later grew into the new technology project launched in Rwanda.
How the Digital Memorial Works
The memorial uses digital 3D technology to create moving pillars made from the names of victims.
The design was inspired by genocide memorial pillars already found in Vienna.
According to the project team, the platform first started with only 250 names collected from Rwandan families living in Austria.
But organizers later realized the project needed more accurate and verified information.
Because of this, they started working closely with genocide memorial sites in Rwanda to collect trusted names and historical records.
The goal is to help Rwandans everywhere continue remembering loved ones lost during the genocide.
More Informations Visit: Aegis Trust https://www.aegistrust.org
Ibuka Says the Project Protects History
The Executive Secretary of Ibuka, Naphtal Ahishakiye, welcomed the project and said it is an important step in protecting history and teaching young people about the genocide.
He explained that the genocide did not only target people’s lives but also tried to erase their identity and history.
He said:
“This project gives dignity back to every name and every life.”
According to Ahishakiye, preserving victims’ names helps future generations understand the truth about the genocide and keeps memories alive.
Technology, Art, and Memory Combined
The Director of Aegis Trust Rwanda, Alphonse Munyantwali, said the project combines technology, art, and remembrance in a meaningful way.
He explained that the digital platform will help preserve names and educate people about the Genocide against the Tutsi.
He also said the project will help fight genocide denial and minimization by protecting historical truth through technology.
Project Expected to Last Five Years
Organizers say the full project will take about five years to complete.
During that period, the team plans to collect names from genocide memorials across Rwanda.
In the future, the digital memorial may also include:
- Family information
- Places where victims lived
- Historical details about victims
This would create a larger digital archive for remembrance and education.
Why the Project Matters
Many survivors and remembrance organizations believe preserving victims’ names is important because every person who died had a life, family, and story.
Technology is now becoming one of the strongest tools helping Rwanda preserve memory and teach future generations about the genocide.
The project also gives young people a modern way to learn history using digital platforms.
More Informations Visit: Ibuka Rwanda Official Website https://www.ibuka.rw
