By Mfuranzima Fred, Founder of Imfura Heritage Rwanda

Growing up in Rwanda, in the shadow of the 1994 genocide and amidst ongoing conflicts in the Africa Great Lakes region, I witnessed firsthand the deep wounds left by violence and division. As a young activist, I saw how fear, pain, and silence could consume entire communities. Yet even in the darkest moments, I found sparks of hope—in the stories people told, in the songs they sang, and in the art they created. It was clear to me that healing would come not just through politics or policy, but through human connection and creative expression.

I am Fred Mfuranzima, a poet, artist, author, and peace activist. I founded Imfura Heritage Rwanda with a mission close to my heart: to inspire a culture of peace in the Great Lakes region through arts, literature, and intellectual learning. My journey has been shaped by the scars of history but fueled by a relentless belief in the power of art to heal and unite.

Through poetry, painting, and storytelling, I have worked to create safe spaces where individuals, especially young people, can explore their identities, confront painful memories, and envision a future built on resilience and reconciliation.

I have witnessed how these creative processes break down walls of fear and silence, giving voice to those who need it most.

At Imfura Heritage Rwanda, we don’t just promote art for art’s sake—we use it as a tool for dialogue, education, and peacebuilding. We nurture critical conversations about cultural preservation and social justice, helping communities reclaim their narratives and strengthen bonds torn apart by conflict.

What motivates me every day is the belief that transformation begins within the soul. As I often say,

This conviction drives every poem I write, every painting I create, and every community conversation I facilitate.

Looking ahead, my hope is to expand Imfura Heritage Rwanda’s reach—partnering with organizations both locally and internationally to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced for too long. Together, we can cultivate a world where peace is not just an ideal but a lived reality.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. May the power of creativity inspire us all to build bridges where there were once walls.