Governor General to Visit Rwanda

OTTAWA, April 1, 2019 /CNW/ - At the request of the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will undertake a visit to the Republic of Rwanda, from April 4 to 9, 2019.

As part of Kwibuka25, the 25^th Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the visit to Rwanda will demonstrate Canada's commitment to preventing genocide and mass atrocities as well as our support for reconciliation processes. A discussion at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS-Rwanda) will help to highlight Canada's interest in promoting the inclusion of youth as well as the importance of science and technology. The Governor General and members of the delegation will engage with Rwandan youth during an activity with participants of Right to Play. Finally, events with Rwandan partners and counterparts of the Canadian delegates will strengthen the long-standing co-operation between Canada and Rwanda.

Her Excellency will be accompanied by a delegation of prominent Canadians. Details regarding the delegation will be shared at a later time. 

Times are indicated in local time.

VISIT TO RWANDA

Kigali
Friday, April 5

5 p.m. 
Arrival in Kigali
The Governor General will be greeted by Rwandan officials and received by a guard of honour.
Kigali International Airport
OPEN TO MEDIA

Kigali
Saturday, April 6

10:45 a.m.
Visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial
The Governor General and the Canadian delegation will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Her Excellency will lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Canada, and visit the museum.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial is the final resting place for more than 250 000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Through education and peace-building, it honours the memory of the more than one million Rwandans killed in 1994. For more information, visit www.kgm.rw.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
PHOTO OP – During the wreath-laying upon the arrival of the Governor General and during the guest book signing at the end of the visit to the museum

1 p.m.
Working Luncheon with Representatives of Civil Society Organizations
Her Excellency and the Canadian delegation will meet with representatives of civil society
organizations to discuss shared projects and collaboration opportunities.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

4:10 p.m.
Right To Play
Her Excellency and the Canadian delegation will join youth participating in an initiative run by the Right To Play (RTP) organization.

RTP is a global organization that protects, educates and empowers children to rise above adversity using play. By harnessing play, one of the most powerful and fundamental forces in a child's life, RTP helps 1.9 million children each week to stay in school and out of work, to prevent life-threatening diseases like HIV and malaria and to stay safe from exploitation and abuse. They are a global development organization focused exclusively on using play to transform the lives of children and youth impacted by poverty, war, disease and inequality. For more information, visit https://righttoplay.ca/en-ca/.
Groupe scolaire Karama, Nyabugogo
OPEN TO MEDIA

7 p.m.
Friends of Canada Gathering
On the occasion of her visit to Rwanda, Her Excellency will meet with individuals who have made continued and exceptional efforts in promoting and enhancing the Canada-Rwanda relationship.
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Kigali
Sunday, April 7

10 a.m.
Laying of Wreath and Witnessing the Lightning of the Flame of Remembrance
On the occasion of Kwibuka25, the Governor General will lay a wreath on behalf of the People of Canada and witness the lightning of the Flame of Remembrance by President Kagame.

This year marks the 25^th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Kwibuka25 provides an important opportunity to remember the victims of the genocide, preserve its evidence and educate people on its history. For more information, visit www.kwibuka.rw.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
OPEN TO MEDIA 

11 a.m.
Kwibuka25 Official Ceremony
Her Excellency will witness the official ceremony marking the 25^th Commemoration of the Genocide Against the Tutsi. The ceremony will include remarks by officials, testimonies and musical performances.

'Remember' is a translation of Kwibuka in Kinyarwanda, Rwanda's national language. It describes the annual commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The Commemoration begins on April 7 every year. For more information, visit www.kwibuka.rw.
Kigali Convention Centre
OPEN TO MEDIA

3 p.m.
Walk of Remembrance
Her Excellency and the Canadian delegation will take part in the Walk of Remembrance.
From Parliament to Amahoro Stadium
OPEN TO MEDIA

6 p.m.
Night Vigil
The Governor General and the Canadian delegation will participate in the night vigil. The evening will include lighting of candles, identification of witnesses and survivors, reading of the names of victims, and composition of 25 messages of hope.
Amahoro Stadium
OPEN TO MEDIA

Kigali
Monday, April 8

10:15 a.m.
Discussion with Students at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS-Rwanda)
After visiting the facilities and meeting with AIMS leadership, the Governor General will deliver brief remarks and take part in a Q&A session with students on the importance of education and science.

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences is leading the socio-economic transformation of Africa through innovative post-graduate training, breakthrough research and discoveries, and gender-responsive teacher training and public engagement. AIMS Rwanda, the sixth Centre of Excellence in the AIMS network, opened in August 2016. For more information, visit nexteinstein.org.
AIMS-Rwanda, Auditorium
OPEN TO MEDIA

Members of the public can follow the Governor General's visit to Rwanda on Facebook and Twitter, and online at www.gg.ca, where photos and videos will be posted.

Media wishing to obtain photos of the visit can contact the Rideau Hall Press Office.
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
To obtain the latest updates, please visit www.gg.ca.

Follow GGJuliePayette and RideauHall on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SOURCE Governor General of Canada

For further information: Media information: Julie Rocheleau, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-0287, 613-302-0249 (cell), [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.gg.ca/