Miracle in Kigali

Miracle in Kigali tree at 50 Christmas Trees in a Church 2011

2011-12-08T05:26:00.001-08:00

Here is a photograph of Illuminee with the Miracle in Kigali tree at 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, Dickleburgh, Norfolk. The Christmas tree festival, which runs until 11 December, is supporting Send a Cow http://www.sendacow.org.uk/, a UK based charity that helps African families grow enough food to eat, sell their produce and develop small businesses that last. The charity is active in Rwanda.

Christmas Trees of all shapes and sizes, some handmade featuring special seasonal messages, decorate the church, contributed to the event by local businesses and organisations and children’s groups. The event has a competitive edge, as each organisation that enters has the chance to win prize money in the visitors’ vote for the best trees. There is also a special award for the most innovative tree.

50 Christmas in a Church is being sponsored by Cherry Lane Garden Centre Pulham Market, Rosedale Funeral Home and TWP Designs.

Dickleburgh village is to the north of Diss, just off the A140, tel. 01379 854245, http://www.50christmastrees.com/.

Illuminee Nganemariya - The Guardian first person interview

2011-10-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

This is a link to Henry Green's interview with Illuminee about how she wrote Miracle in Kigali to help rebuild her life http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/13/rwanda-genocide-survivor-book-rebuild

Norwich Mind Festival of Cultures

2011-08-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

There's a Miracle in Kigali and Rwandan food stall at Norwich Mind's Festival of Cultures, Saturday 13 August, 11.30am to 4pm, 50 Sale Road NR7 9TP.

Miracle in Kigali at Norwich Christian Resource Centre

2011-08-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

Miracle in Kigali is now available at Norwich Christian Resource Centre http://www.christianbookshops.org.uk/norwichcrc.htm

Norwich Evening News Roger: Genocide Baby

2011-07-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

Link to Rowan Mantell's feature in the Norwich Evening News about Roger Nsengiyumva's return to Rwanda - Roger: Genocide Baby, BBC3 documentary, http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/norwich_teen_film_star_roger_confronts_killer_on_tv_1_960945

Roger: Genocide Baby - BBC 3 Director's Blog

2011-07-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the blog written by Nick Andrews, Director of Roger: Genocide Baby on the background to the documentary about Roger Nsengiyumva's return to Rwanda and how he used extracts from Roger's mum, Illuminee Nganemariya's book, Miracle in Kigali in the film - http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/tv/2011/07/roger-genocide-baby-rwanda.shtml

This is a link to BBC News coverage about Roger: Genocide Baby http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-14032554

Roger: Genocide Baby - BBC3

2011-07-07T06:53:00.000-07:00

Roger: Genocide Baby the BBC3 documentary about Illuminee's son Roger's return to Rwanda will be screened on BBC3 at 9pm on Wednesday 13 July, see
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b012lttt.

Buy Miracle in Kigali at miracleinkigali.co.uk

2011-07-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

You can now buy Miracle in Kigali at http://www.miracleinkigali.co.uk/ for £10 plus £2 p&p (UK addresses only).

Miracle in Kigali at Fairhaven Green Festival

2011-06-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

We will be at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden Green Festival, Sunday, June 26, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk. Meet us at the Miracle in Kigali stand in the Dell.

Tagman Press Writers Consortium 29 April

2011-05-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

Tagman Press Writers Consortium Reed's Tombland Norwich 29 April 2011.

Back L to R: Dave Kelly, Pauline Kelly, Illuminee Nganemariya, Robin Squire, Pamela Masters, Michael Bland, John Clements. Front L to R: Paul Dickson, Susan Culverwell, Gill Dalton, Anthony Grey, Roger Chamberlain, Jane Aldiss, http://www.tagmanpress.co.uk.

Tagman Writers Consortium

2011-04-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

We are going to the Tagman Writers Consortium on Friday. A new and unique grouping of present and future Tagman authors is being founded in Norwich on the day of the Royal Wedding to increase collaboration between writers and publisher.
http://www.tagmanpress.co.uk.

The Rwandan Genocide - a survivor's guide

2011-03-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

The Rwandan Genocide - a survivor's guide, Friday 18 March at 7pm at Forget-me-Not Café, St Michael-at-Plea Church, Redwell Street Norwich. Illuminée Nganemariya tells her story introduced by Anthony Grey, followed by two course meal and tea/coffee. Ticket £16 tel 01603 766978, email norwichcrc@btconnect.com.

50 Christmas Trees in a Church - Miracle in Kigali

2010-12-06T02:07:00.000-08:00

Here is a photograph of Paul Dickson and Illuminee Nganemariya with the Miracle in Kigali tree at 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, Dickleburgh, which runs until Sunday 12 December, 10am to 7pm daily (closes 4pm on 12 December), http://www.50christmastrees.com.

Meeting The Lord Mayor with Anthony Grey

2010-12-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

We accompanied Anthony Grey, owner of The Tagman Press on a visit to the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Tom Dylan on Tuesday 30 November.

Anthony was invited to meet the Lord Mayor of Norwich on his return from two years as a hostage in Beijing in 1969, but was not able to take up the invitation. So he finally made it 41 years later.

Anthony presented The Lord Mayor with copies of his The Hostage Handbook, the secret diary he kept in captivity and Illuminee's Miracle in Kigali. For more information about The Hostage Handbook see http://www.tagmanpress.co.uk.

Pictured left to right: Shane and Irene Hancock, Directors The Tagman Press, Anthony Grey, The Lord Mayor, Illuminee Nganemariya and Paul Dickson.

Book Signing Out of Africa Trading Post, Norwich Market

2010-11-29T01:25:00.000-08:00

Illuminee Nganemariya will be signing copies of Miracle in Kigali, 11am - 1pm, Saturday 11 December at Out of Africa Trading Post, Norwich Market.

Out of Africa Trading Post Norwich Market Stocks Miracle in Kigali

2010-11-25T02:35:00.000-08:00

Out of Africa Trading Post, Norwich Market is stocking Miracle in Kigali from Friday 26 November http://www.facebook.com/pages/Norwich-United-Kingdom/Out-Of-Africa-Trading-Post/110515762346429?ref=mf&v=wall.

Norwich Book Group

2010-11-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a photograph taken at Flicky Ridel's Book Group on Monday 22 November.

50 Christmas Trees in a Church - Miracle in Kigali

2010-11-19T09:28:00.000-08:00

We are taking part in 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, Dickleburgh Church again this year with a Miracle in Kigali tree (last year's tree is pictured).

Illuminee is singing Rwandan carols with the Benefice Choir at the officially opening - 5pm on Saturday 4 December.

She will also be at the festival all day on Wednesday 8 December to talk about Miracle in Kigali.

50 Christmas Trees in a Church runs from Sunday 5 December to Sunday 12 December, open 10am to 7pm daily (closed 4pm on 12 December). For further information see http://www.50christmastrees.com/

Norwich Book Group Monday 22 November

2010-11-19T09:20:00.000-08:00

We are discussing Miracle in Kigali at Flicky Ridel's Book Group in Norwich on Monday 22 November.

Africa United Film Premiere in Rwanda

2010-11-09T01:48:00.000-08:00

Roger flew to Rwanda last weekend for the premiere of Africa United. The screening took place at the Serena Hotel, Kigali on Sunday 7 November. This is a link to the report in the New Times Rwanda http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=14438&article=35436

Rwandans in UK Documentary

2010-11-09T01:40:00.000-08:00

Illuminee was interviewed and filmed in Norwich on 5 November for a documentary being made by Gaile Parkin, a student at MET Film School in London. The documentary is about Rwandans in the UK and the different ways that they adapt to living here.

Illuminee is pictured with Gaile and fellow students who made up her camera crew - left to right Laura Van Liere from USA, Illuminee, Gaile Parkin who is originally from Zambia and Natasha Skreslet from Canada.

Miracle in Kigali 2010 Edition Published

2010-10-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

The 2010 edition of Miracle in Kigali has arrived from the printer, featuring a new preface with the story of Roger’s discovery and starring role in the feature film, Africa United www.africaunitedmovie.com.

Books, costing £10, are available from The Tagman Press, PO Box 754, Norwich NR1 4GY tel 0845 644 4186, email editorial@tagmanpress.co.uk, www.tagmanpress.co.uk.

Anglia TV Interview Eaton Park 19 October

2010-10-23T04:10:00.000-07:00

Roger and Illuminee were interviewed by Ellie Price, Anglia TV News about Africa United at Eaton Park, Norwich on 19 October.

http://www.itv.com/anglia/teen-stars-in-new-film70972

Photograph of Illuminee being interviewed.

Africa United interview on BBC Breakfast

2010-10-20T06:45:00.000-07:00

Africa United interview with Roger on BBC Breakfast

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/11574303

Africa United - the feel good film of the year - Daily Express

2010-10-20T01:13:00.000-07:00

Africa United - the feel good film of the year - Daily Express

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/206475/Africa-United-The-Feel-good-film-of-the-year

Roger Nsengiyumva on the film Africa United

2010-10-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

Roger Nsengiyumva on the film Africa United

Norfolk Schoolboy Star of 'African Slumdog Millionaire' - Telegraph.co.uk

2010-10-13T01:34:00.000-07:00

Daily Telegraph story about Africa United featuring Roger.

Norfolk Schoolboy Star of 'African Slumdog Millionaire' - Telegraph.co.uk
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/rwanda/8057826/Norfolk-schoolboy-the-star-of-African-Slumdog-Millionaire.html

Miracle in Kigali 2010 Edition

2010-10-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

The Tagman Press www.tagmanpress.co.uk is publishing a new edition of Miracle in Kigali to coincide with the release of Africa United http://www.africaunitedmovie.com on 22 October.

The update includes the story of how Roger was cast as Fabrice in the film, and his thoughts on his amazing experience working on Africa United in Rwanda, Burundi and South Africa.

Here's a new photograph of Illuminee and Roger.

Africa United's Director in Rwanda

2010-10-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

My travels: Africa United’s director in Rwanda - link to a interview with Debs Gardner-Paterson, Director of Africa United. The film which is released in the UK features Roger as Fabrice.

http://world-news.tk/my-travels-africa-uniteds-director-in-rwanda

Africa United Observer and Daily Telegraph

2010-10-04T00:50:00.000-07:00

Here are links to articles about Roger's film Africa United that apperead in The Daily Telegraph and The Observer.

Daily Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/8030562/Africa-United-set-report.html

The Observer Sunday 3 October
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/oct/03/africa-united-film

Africa United Background Information

2010-10-01T00:55:00.001-07:00

Link to background information and trailers for Roger's film Africa United
http://www.damaris.org/africaunited

Africa United - Official Trailer [HD]

2010-09-06T04:51:00.000-07:00

Zimbabwe Extravaganza

2010-09-06T02:22:00.000-07:00

We were invited to sell Miracle in Kigali at a Zimbabwe Extravaganza at Stalham Baptist Church last night.

A packed church was treated to a fabulous evening of African singing and drumming from local choirs and community drumming groups, along with performances by mbira player Erin Macdonnell and Zimbabwean singer and dancer Anna Mudeka.

It was a memorable evening - and we sold some books!

Resources for Africa United

2010-09-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

Resources for Africa United

Africa United Trailer

2010-09-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

See the Africa United Trailer featuring Roger as Fabrice at http://www.damaris.org/africaunited.

The film is released on 22 October.

The film's website is at http://www.africaunitedmovie.com.

Africa United - Eastern Daily Press

2010-08-14T05:41:00.000-07:00

Same story about Roger and Africa United in today's Eastern Daily Press:

http://www.edp24.co.uk/content/edp24/news/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=News&tBrand=EDPOnline&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=NOED13%20Aug%202010%2015%3A35%3A36%3A537

Roger and Africa United

2010-08-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

Roger is one of the lead actors in a new feature film to be released in October - Africa United

See Norwich Evening News story

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/eveningnews24/norwich-news/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=News&tBrand=ENOnline&tCategory=xNews&itemid=NOED12%20Aug%202010%2016%3A53%3A00%3A297

Fairhaven Green Festival

2010-08-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

Illuminee met The Pedant's Revolt Morris Dancers at Fairhaven's Green Festival http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk on Sunday 1 August!

World Music in Southburgh

2010-08-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Illuminee with Andy Maule and Margaret Boulton at Anna Mudeka's World Music Festival, Southburgh on 31 July. Andy and Margaret have both travelled extensively in Rwanda.

Miracle in Kigali at Norfolk Events

2010-07-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

We will be selling Miracle in Kigali and Rwandan crafts at Anna Mudeka's World Music Festival, Southburgh near Dereham on Saturday 31 July www.annamudeka.co.uk and Fairhaven Woodland and Water garden Green Festival on Sunday 1 August www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.

Kinyarwanda English Dictionary Published

2010-04-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

Rwanda: Kinyarwanda-English dictionary unveiled Kinyarwanda-English dictionary unveiled Rwandinfo

http://rwandinfo.com/eng/rwanda-kinyarwanda-english-dictionary-unveiled-kinyarwanda-english-dictionary-unveiled

Miracle in Kigali at The Book Hive

2010-01-30T04:07:00.000-08:00

Miracle in Kigali is now available at The Book Hive, London Street, Norwich http://www.thebookhive.co.uk/

Holocaust Memorial Day at The Forum, Norwich

2010-01-29T09:53:00.001-08:00

Excellent discussion with the audience at the Holocaust Memorial Day talk. I hope that it will lead to activity with Writers' Centre Norwich www.writerscentrenorwich.org.uk.

Holocaust Memorial Day at The Forum, Norwich

2010-01-22T02:45:00.000-08:00

I will be at The Millennium Library, The Forum, Norwich on Wednesday 27 January, Holocaust Memorial Day giving a Miracle in Kigali talk, 6pm to 7pm - just me not Illuminee.

50 Christmas Trees in a Church - Miracle in Kigali

2009-12-08T09:39:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Illuminee with our Miracle in Kigali tree at Dickleburgh's 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, http://www.50christmastrees.com/. The small Rwandan baskets and other colourful decorations are courtesy of the Rwandan Embassy UK.

Holocaust Memorial Day at The Forum, Norwich

2009-12-07T00:48:00.000-08:00

Illuminee and I have been invited to speak at a Holocaust Memorial Day event at The Millennium Library, The Forum, Norwich, 6pm on Wednesday 27 January.

http://www.hmd.org.uk/events/find/east-of-england/9181in-conversation-with-illuminee-nganemariya

Dickleburgh 50 Christmas Trees in a Church

2009-12-04T00:54:00.000-08:00

All ready for Dickleburgh's 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, Saturday 5 December to Sunday 13 December http://www.50christmastrees.com. The Miracle in Kigali tree will be decorated with very Rwandan peace baskets and other colourful decorations.

Rwandan Crafts

2009-11-28T03:48:00.000-08:00

We are visiting the Rwandan Embassy on Tuesday to discuss the opportunities to sell Rwandan crafts in the UK and also collect items to display on our tree at 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, Dickleburgh http://www.50christmastrees.com.

50 Christmas Trees in a Church 2009

2009-11-16T10:07:00.000-08:00

Working with the Rwandan Embassy UK for a cultural display to go with our tree at this year's 50 Christmas Trees in a Church, Dickleburgh http://www.50christmastrees.com/.

The official opening is by Anna Mudeka, http://www.tambai.org.uk, Norfolk-based Zimbabwean singer, drummer and dancer, with her drumming group Drumskin, on Saturday 5 December at 5.30pm. The event then runs from 6 to 13 December inclusive .

Miracle In Kigali Talk 31 October

2009-10-30T02:04:00.000-07:00

Illuminee and I were interviewed by Tara Greaves from Eastern Daily Press in advance of the Black History Month talk. The story is online at
http://www.advertiser24.co.uk/content/advertiser24/news/story.aspx?brand=NOROnline&category=News&tBrand=NOROnline&tCategory=News&itemid=NOED29%20Oct%202009%2009%3A04%3A17%3A503.

Miracle in Kigali Talk Norfolk Black History Month 31 October

2009-10-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

Illuminee and Paul will be talking about Miracle in Kigali, the visit to Rwanda in 2008 to launch the book and will also be doing readings in a special Norfolk Black History Month event at The Cube (next to Pizza Express), The Forum, Norwich on Saturday 31 October from 11am to 12pm.
For more information email Paul @ paul-dickson@btconnect.com.
http://www.norfolkblackhistorymonth.org.uk/
http://www.norfolkblackhistorymonth.org.uk/events/2009/miracle-in-kigali.html

Norfolk Black History Month African Market

2009-10-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

We will be selling Miracle in Kigali at The Norfolk Black History Month African Market outside Chapelfield, Norwich on Sunday 25 August 9.30am to 5pm. http://www.norfolkblackhistorymonth.org.uk

Meeting with Gerard Sina

2009-08-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

Illuminee went to Rwanda in July and met Gerard Sina, the man behind Akabanga chilli sauce and other products that we will want to sell in the UK business. This is his business website http://www.sina.co.rw. He is an inspirational Rwandan entrepreneur.

Rwandans in UK

2009-07-18T13:26:00.001-07:00

Just visited this website http://www.rwandansinuk.com/. It features a video of President Kagame at 10 Downing Street.

The Big Skill Awards Norfolk 2009 - Awards Ceremony

2009-06-09T00:45:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Illuminee who was highly commended in the adult learner category at the Big Skill Awards Norfolk staged at The Forum in Norwich on the evening of Monday, June 8. She received her certificate from BBC TV's Ray Stubbs and BBC Radio Norfolk's Nicky Price.
http://www.edp24.co.uk/content/edp24/news/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=News&tBrand=EDPOnline&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=NOED08%20Jun%202009%2011%3A46%3A31%3A353

The Big Skill Awards Norfolk 2009

2009-05-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

Illuminee is shortlisted in The Big Skill Awards Norfolk 2009, adult learner category. The awards ceremony is outside The Forum, Norwich on Monday 8 June at 6.30pm http://www.alivecom.co.uk/events.asp?eventID=41.

Meeting with Ignatius Mugabo

2009-05-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

We had a very good meeting on Tuesday 5 May with Ignatius Mugabo, Chairman of the Rwandese Community UK during which we had an initial discussion about working together on a biography of Gerard Sina.

Gerard Sina is an inspirational Rwandan entrepreneur who is providing education, training and work for his local community in Nyirangarama. This is is website http://www.sina.co.rw/.

We also went to Deptford to meet Tony Ojorio. He imports primarily green bananas and chillies from Uganda. The aim of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of getting supplies to sell in the Norwich area.

Another Research Trip to London - Tuesday 5 May

2009-04-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

We have arranged to meet Tony Ojorio on Tuesday 5 May in London. He imports Ugandan food products - good research for Illuminee's business.

We will also meet Ignatius Mugabo, Chairman of the Rwandese Community UK for a first meeting about the possibility of a book about Sine Gerard, the producer of akabanga chilli sauce and many other items in Rwanda. This man is an inspirational Rwandese entrepreneur.

African Food Research

2009-04-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

We went to London on Wednesday 15 April to research Ugandan food importers for Illuminee's business, with help from the Rwandan Embassy. We also had lunch at a very good Ugandan Restaurant in Hackney http://www.excelinecatering.co.uk/.

New Times Report - Rwandan Genocide Commemoration London

2009-04-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

The New Times, Kigali included a report on the Rwandan Genocide Commemoration held in London on 8 April. The news item included a summary of the key points of Illuminee's testimonial. Click this link read the report http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=13862&article=14865.

Evening News - Business in a Box

2009-04-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

In February, Illuminee entered a Norwich Evening News business competition called 'Business in a Box'. She did not win, but her business story was picked to be included in a feature about the competition. Click her to read the feature.
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/features/Business/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=Business&tBrand=ENOnline&tCategory=Business&itemid=NOED08%20Apr%202009%2010%3A34%3A02%3A720

Henry in Rwanda posts comments about Miracle in Kigali

2009-04-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

We spotted a blog today via Google Alerts from a student called Henry who is in Rwanda. He had some very positive comments about Miracle in Kigali. Have a look at is entry on 8 April,
http://henryinrwanda.blogspot.com:80.

Rwandan Genocide Commemoration - London 7 April

2009-04-08T00:44:00.000-07:00

Illuminee gave testimony as a survivor at the London Commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of the 1994 Genocide of Tutsi in Rwanda on Tuesday 7 April. Her speech is in the previous entry on this blog. The Commemoration was organised by the Rwandan Embassy http://www.ambarwanda.org.uk/ and also included speeches from the Rwandan Ambassador, His Excellency Claver Gatete, Brigadier General Frank Rusagra and Nemat Shafik, Permanent Secretary of the Department of International Development (DFID).

Fifteen candles were lit by young Rwandans living in the UK, a symbolic representation of each year of peace in Rwanda since 1994.

A documentary by Nick Hughes called Roadblock was shown featuring footage of people being killed at a roadblock, taken by Mr Hughes during the Genocide, and the stories of those who survived the roadblock. More information about the film here

http://rwandacinemacenter.wordpress.com/iseta-the-story-behind-the-road-block.

Ambassador Gatete launched 'The One Dollar Diaspora Campaign' in support of Genocide orphans in Rwanda, aiming to raise $200,000 in the next 100 days - the length of the Genocide in 1994.

Illuminee is pictured with Brigadier General Rusagra at the reception which followed the Commemoration.

Illuminee's Speech Rwandan Genocide Commemoration

2009-04-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

This is the speech that Illuminee is making at the Rwandan Genocide Commemoration in London on Tuesday 7 April.

Your excellency Ambassador Claver Gatete, ladies and gentlemen.

It is 15 years since the Genocide. It sounds a long time ago, but for survivors it can seem as if it was just yesterday. What I mean is that our wounds and scars are still with us. If anything touches those scars it hurts. It reminds us of our experiences in 1994.

I was brought up in Gacuriro Kigali, and married my husband John on April 3 1994. We were living in Nyakabanda. I lost John on May 10, just a few days after our son Roger was born. I like many Rwandans also lost members of my family and close friends.

All survivors have different stories to tell. It was a miracle, that my son and me survived in the chaos of Kigali. I was helped by Rwandans with a kind heart who hated the bloodshed.

I even joined the exodus to Zaire, and possible death from cholera in a refugee camp and was lucky to be turned back on Mont Kigali by the RPF. Those RPF soldiers who appeared out of the early morning mist on Mont Kigali will be my heroes for the rest of my life.

I moved to England in 1996 and live in Norwich with my son Roger. I would not be here, now, if it had not been for the help of many NHS doctors and nurses, who helped me through troubled times, along with the support of my family and friends.

I chose to expose myself, to be naked, in a way, and told my story in the book, Miracle in Kigali. I would like to thank my co-author Paul Dickson, and The Tagman Press for making my dream come true. I would also like to thank Ambassador Gatete for his support.

But why did I want to open myself up in this way?

It was first of all medication to help myself get better, to see if I could be healed.

Secondly it was to help ensure that what happened cannot happen again.

Thirdly to give the message of hope for the future especially the next generation of Rwandans.

A lot, has happened to Rwanda and Rwandans, in the last 15 years. For we survivors it is a long journey. We try to forgive but we will never forget. We will never be the same again, but we can keep going. We will not turn the clock back, but we can look forward.

My message to survivors is to take our time, appreciate our lives and not to be ashamed about the past, and what happened to us in 1994. It was not our fault. Try to work for a better life for you, your children and their children.

Some people say that there was no Genocide and keep saying it. But my story and me are living testimonies to the fact that the Genocide took place in 1994.

I red in the New Times that survivors have been killed who testified at a Gacaca court and that people have attacked the Gisosi memorial.

These people who do these things may think that they still have power, but they need to face their own demons, and then they can meet the angel.

Finally, my message to all Rwandan, survivors, at this difficult time of year – try to care and love yourself, be strong, have hope and move forward in your life.

DFID Fighting Poverty Website

2009-04-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

The Department for International Development has created a website to mark 15 years of UK support in Rwanda since the Genocide
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/fightingpoverty/rwanda-genocide.asp.

Rwandan Genocide Commemoration - UK

2009-04-01T10:01:00.001-07:00

Illuminee has been asked to speak at the Commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of the 1994 Genocide, organised by the Embassy of the republic of Rwanda UK. The commemoration is being held at the Royal Horseguard Hotel, Whitehall Court, London at 3pm on Tuesday 7 April.

NWES Business Planning Course

2009-03-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

We have just finished the NWES Business Planning Course - highly recommended. It has inspired us to go to London to research Ugandan produce, as well as working with our Rwandan contacts. We also need to research opportunities to attend shows and events in Norfolk.

Celebrating 15 Years of Peace in Rwanda

2009-03-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

The Rwandese Community UK is staging a big event in London this weekend to mark 15 years of peace in Rwanda featuring performances by Ihanika from Brussels and Canadian based singer JP Samputu. The event beginning at 8pm on Saturday 14 March is at River of Life Centre Hatcham Road, London SE15 1TW .

NWES Business Planning Course

2009-03-04T01:03:00.000-08:00

Illuminee and I are just about to start a business planning course with NWES in Norwich, to help develop our ideas for selling African and Rwandan produce in Norfolk.

EDP Inspirational Women

2009-02-19T04:30:00.000-08:00

Illuminee was featured on Tuesday 17 February in an Eastern Daily Press series on inspirational Norfolk women www.edp24.co.uk.

Father Christmas at Fairhaven December 2008

2009-02-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

We helped out Father Christmas on his annual visit to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk in December 2008, working as elves in his magical grotto. The photograph shows Roger, Father Christmas, Illuminee and Paul in the grotto.

50 Christmas Trees in a Church 2008

2009-02-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

The Miracle in Kigali tree was present for the second year at Dickleburgh's 50 Christmas Trees in a Church http://www.50christmastrees.co.uk/ in early December. Here is a photograph of Illuminee in front of the tree.

Rotary Conference 11 October 2008

2009-01-30T07:13:00.000-08:00

We spoke at the Eastern Region Rotary Conference staged at Holiday Inn North, Norwich on Saturday 11 October. This was our biggest audience to date and we were delighted with the response. Lots of Rotarians talked to us in the exhibition area during the lunch break and also bought books.

This is a link to the Rotary report on the conference. http://www.rotary-ribi.org/districts/committee.asp?DistCtteeID=339&DistrictNo=1080

Rwandan Expo London August 2008

2009-01-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

This is a photograph of Ignatius Mugabo (left), Chairman of the Rwandese Community UK at the Sina Gerard stand during the London Expo. The small bottles are full of Akabanga a superb hot chili sauce - two or three drops is all you need!

Rwandan Expo London August 2008

2009-01-28T09:45:00.000-08:00

We visited a Rwandan Expo in London on 22 August 2008.
Illuminee is pictured here with the Rwandan Ambassador, His Excellency Claver Gatete. The Expo was organised by Rwandan Diaspora Investment www.investinrwanda.co.uk. We are planning to buy Rwandan goods for sale in Norwich via RDI.

Banana Wine Co-operative

2009-01-28T09:33:00.000-08:00

During our fortnight in Rwanda in July 2008, we also visited a

co-operative making banana wine, pineapple wine and fruit jam.

The co-operative was also planning to begin dried fruit production.

Illuminee and I are hoping to start selling Rwandan food products in Norwich and it was to good to meet some local producers.

Stephen and family Giseyni

2009-01-28T09:19:00.001-08:00

This is a photograph of Stephen (second left) and his brothers and sisters
outside their new house above Lake Kivu, Giseyni. They are supported
by Passevu a local charity for orphans and street children in Rwanda,
Burundi, Eastern Congo and Uganda. For more information about Passevu contact Andre Njack anjans1@yahoo.fr.

Money for their new house came from a raffle at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations PRide Awards East Anglia dinner 2007 and fundraising at Glynis Potter's Harambe shop in Hadleigh and Felixstowe. Illuminee cooked a served a Rwandan-style soup at a fundraising event in Hadleigh.

Lake Kivu Giseyni

2009-01-26T09:53:00.000-08:00

We visited Giseyni in the north of Rwanda to meet Stephen and his family, a group of young orphans who live just outside the town. We helped raise money to build a house for the family.

This photograph was taken on the shore of the beautiful Lake Kivu, Giseyni; left to right, Rebecca (Paul's daughter), Patrick (Illuminee's nephew), Illuminee and Roger.

Gisozi Genocide Memorial, Kigali

2009-01-24T05:42:00.000-08:00

While we were in Kigali, we visited the Gisozi Genocide Memorial. Thousands of Genocide victims are buried here. The main building features a powerful exhibition about the Genocide and its origins. While we were there, Roger was able to add a photograph of his father, John, to the display of photographs of Rwandans killed in 1994.

Kigali

2009-01-23T09:41:00.000-08:00

This is a view of Kigali taken from just below Hotel Mille Collines looking across to the US Embassy (large building on left) and several government buildings. Illuminee's brother Eustache and his family live in the valley in the foreground.

British Embassy Kigali Book Signing Event

2009-01-23T09:27:00.000-08:00

While we were in Rwanda, we were invited to the British Embassy in Kigali for a special book signing event for embassy staff. Illuminee (right) is pictured with two members of the Macmillan Rwanda team who were there to help us.

Miracle in Kigali Rwanda Launch July 2008 (2)

2009-01-19T06:57:00.000-08:00

This is a photograph of some of the audience at Hotel des Mille Collines, Kigali, for the launch of Miracle in Kigali on the evening of 19 July 2008.

See Shirley Randell's mention of Miracle in Kigali on the Communication for Social Change website.

http://www.communicationforsocialchange.org/mazi-articles.php?id=388

Miracle in Kigali Rwanda Launch July 2008

2009-01-19T06:48:00.001-08:00

We travelled to Kigali, capital of Rwanda, on 12 July 2008 to launch Miracle in Kigali at Hotel des Mille Collines. This is the hotel from the film 'Hotel Rwanda'. The launch event was staged in the hotel's top floor conference facilities on the evening of Thursday 19 July. Our guest of honour was the Hon. Joseph Habineza, Minister of Culture and Sport, who paid tribute to Illuminee's bravery and encouraged us to publish the book in Kinyarwanda. An audience of 150, including most of the Rwandan media, heard Illuminee speak very movingly about her experiences. The photograph shows Illuminee, signing a book for one of the guests, with her brother Eustache on her right.

Rwandan Genocide Memorial Service

2009-01-10T05:33:00.000-08:00

We organised a Rwandan Genocide memorial service at Bowthorpe Church, Norwich on Saturday 5 April 2008. The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Roy Blower was our guest of honour. We also welcomed Patrick Mulenga from the Rwandan Embassy and Ingnatius Mugabo, Secretary of the Rwandese Community Association UK. Our thanks to all at Bowthorpe Church for their help and encouragement.

United Nations Association Talks

2009-01-06T10:18:00.000-08:00

On Friday 18 January 2008, we gave a talk to the United Nations Association, Norwich branch, http://www.una-uk.org/ and followed this up by speaking at the United Nations Association East of England AGM in Cambridge on Saturday 16 February. The photograph shows us with guests at the UN Norwich talk.

Rwandan Office of Information Report

2008-12-31T07:54:00.000-08:00

Click here to see the Rwandan Office of Information report on the launch of Miracle in Kigali at The Irish Centre, Camden, London on 11 October 2007.

http://www.orinfor.gov.rw/DOCS/Amakuru27.htm

50 Christmas Trees in a Church 2007

2008-12-30T09:32:00.000-08:00

In December 2007 we took part in the 50 Christmas Trees in a Church event, http://www.50christmastrees.co.uk/ at Dickleburgh Church, South Norfolk. Our Miracle in Kigali tree was one of more than 50 colourful Christmas Trees that decorated the church for this Christmas celebration. Illuminee and Roger are pictured with the Miracle in Kigali tree.

Holy Trinity Church Event

2008-12-23T07:34:00.000-08:00

More than 100 people attended the Miracle in Kigali event at Holy Trinity Church, Norwich on 6 November 2007. Illuminee spoke about the meaning of reconciliation and Paul read from the book.

Illuminee and Roger are pictured with Rosemary English who organised the event.

Cambridge Student Review

2008-12-23T07:31:00.000-08:00

Read Louisa Sutton's review of Miracle in Kigali for Cambridge Student magazine at

http://www.tcs.cam.ac.uk/impact/arts/from-rwanda-to-norwich/

Harmabe Book Signing

2008-12-18T09:58:00.000-08:00

Harambe, Glynis Potter's shop in Felixstowe hosted a book signing for Miracle in Kigali on Saturday 6 October 2007. Illuminee and Roger are pictured at work.

Miracle in Kigali London Launch

2008-12-18T09:43:00.000-08:00

His Excellency Claver Gatete, Rwanda's Ambasador to the UK was guest of honour at the London launch of Miracle in Kigali at The Irish Centre Camden on the evening of Thursday 11 October 2007. This special event with the Rwandese Community Association featured traditional Rwandan dancers. BBC World Service attended the event and record an interview which was broadcast in Rwanda.

Tales of a Survivor

2008-12-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

Read 'Tales of a Survivor' from The Norwich Advertiser

http://www.advertiser24.co.uk/content/advertiser24/news/story.aspx?tBrand=NOROnline&itemid=NOED02%20Nov%202007%2010%3A52%3A47%3A933&category=News&brand=NOROnline

Miracle escape from 100 days of living hell

2008-12-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

Read the story in Norwich Network about Miracle in Kigali at

http://www.networknorwich.com/Publisher/ArticlePrintable.aspx?id=97751

My Escape from a World of Horror

2008-12-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

Read Illuminee's interview with Rowan Mantell of the Norwich Evening News at
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/Features/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=Features&tBrand=enonline&tCategory=features&itemid=NOED01%20Oct%202007%2010%3A47%3A45%3A000

Miracle in Kigali Norwich Launch

2008-12-12T09:42:00.000-08:00

Miracle in Kigali was launched at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Norwich htttp://www.scva.ac.uk on Wednesday 3 October 2007. More than 100 guests attended the event to hear Illuminee Nganemariya and her brother Eustache Twagirayezu talk about the significance of the publication. Eustache was on his first visit to the UK from Rwanda. Illuminee's on Roger, who was born during the Genocide also spoke at the launch.

"It is important that people know what happened to ordinary Rwandans during the Genocide," said Illuminée. "I hope that my book plays its part in helping the next generation ensure that the savagery of 1994 never happens again."