Ubumuntu - Humanity, Kindness of Heart

"A person who has Ubumuntu is someone who has greatness of heart." – Kigali Genocide Memorial

In the context of the Genocide against the Tutsi, Ubumuntu refers to those who selflessly risked their lives to rescue or protect others. Over the years, however, Ubumuntu—literally meaning "humanity and kindness of heart"—has grown beyond its historical roots to become the bedrock of Rwandan society.

I returned to the U.S. last week after volunteering in Rwanda, and after many moments of reflection, I can confidently say that I’ve never been anywhere so infused with humanity and joy. Rwandans greet you with warmth, hold hands with neighbors, and approach life with a sense of togetherness that is as infectious as their continuous smiles.

For many in the West, Rwanda may still evoke images of tragedy. Yet, while the genocide remains a part of its history, it does not define the country. Instead, Rwanda has chosen a path that almost defies belief: forgiveness and rebuilding. Through the Gacaca courts, a form of restorative justice, perpetrators of the genocide were given the opportunity to apologize to the families they had harmed. In return, they received forgiveness and reintegration into society.

You might wonder: Where is the justice? How can such horrors go unpunished? The Rwandan people understood something profound—that vengeance perpetuates cycles of violence. Instead, they chose unity. Today, Rwanda is not a nation of Hutus or Tutsis; it is simply a nation of Rwandans. This ethos of togetherness has made Rwanda one of the safest, cleanest, and most forward-looking countries in Africa. Every last Saturday of the month, Rwandans gather for Umuganda, a national day of community service. Streets are cleaned, projects are built, and neighbors come together—just one example of the collective spirit that fuels the country’s progress.

I saw this spirit in action every day I spent volunteering at the Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology, a high school south of Kigali. My role was to help develop a toolkit of project-based learning resources for teachers, enhancing a curriculum that prioritizes critical thinking and collaboration. On my first day, I felt a wave of nerves. Change is often met with resistance, and I expected at least some skepticism from the teachers. After all, in my own workplace, new systems and processes are rarely welcomed with open arms.

But my assumptions couldn’t have been more wrong. The teachers were engaged, enthusiastic, and grateful. Their eagerness to learn wasn’t driven by obligation—it was driven by purpose. When I asked one teacher why they were so passionate about the new tools, she replied simply, "The more I know, the more my students know. The more my students know, the more successful they’ll be. And the more successful they are, the more successful Rwanda is."

This mentality, this fire, encapsulates Ubumuntu. Education in Rwanda isn’t about filling buckets; it’s about lighting flames. Every lesson is seen as an investment in a brighter, more prosperous future—not just for the individual but for the entire nation. I was humbled to witness the teachers’ dedication and inspired by their understanding that the pursuit of knowledge is a collective effort.

Rwanda’s transformation from the brink of collapse to a thriving, peaceful nation is not a miracle—it is a deliberate choice. It stands as evidence that love and kindness can triumph over vengeance, and that justice can take forms other than punishment. Rwanda teaches us that progress is built on forgiveness, togetherness, and shared humanity.

Ubumuntu may be a uniquely Rwandan word, but its essence is universal. It calls on all of us to embrace humanity and kindness of heart in our own lives. If we choose to focus on what connects us, rather than what divides us, we too can build a future defined by peace, prosperity, and compassion.

The lesson is simple but profound: Ubumuntu is not just a concept—it’s a way forward.

Lastly a humble thank you to @GashoraGirlsAcademyofScienceandTechnology, @RwandaGirlsInitiative, @Team4Tech, and @Adobe who all made this project possible.Cheers,Alex Graybar#T4TRwandaDec2019 #autodesklife #adobelife