A Life of Faith, Education, and Resilience
When we met Sister Anna Beata Murekatete on the morning of November 7, 2025, she was preparing to distribute copies of her new book, The Genocide Committed against the Tutsi in Rwanda: The Contribution of Benebikira Sisters to the Protection of Victims and the Reconstruction of the Country. The 180-page account chronicles her experiences during one of the darkest chapters in Rwanda’s history, and highlights the crucial role of the Benebikira Sisters in protecting victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and supporting the country’s reconstruction in its aftermath. The book was launched at the Kigali Genocide Memorial on November 6, in front of approximately 2,000 people, including the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean-Damascène Bizimana. Sister Murekatete – now retired, is a teacher, educator, and religious sister whose life reflects a remarkable intertwining of faith, education, and resilience, revealing how moral courage and collective solidarity can overcome the most unimaginable challenges.
Early Life and Education
Sister Murekatete was born in 1951 in Ngera, Nyaruguru District, in the Southern Province of Rwanda. Reflecting on her youth, she recalls that ethnic divisions were not yet pervasive. In my youth, I did not see the things of ethnic division clearly because I was still young and it had not spread everywhere, she said, highlighting how her early environment shielded her from the societal fractures that would later engulf the nation. Her academic journey began at her parish primary school, after which she pursued secondary education at Save in Gisagara for O Levels, and Nyamasheke Parish for A Levels. Despite her diligence and high academic achievement, she faced early obstacles when ethnic discrimination limited opportunities for higher education.
After completing secondary school, Sister Murekatete encountered significant obstacles that prevented her from continuing to university, a reflection of the limited opportunities available to educated Tutsi youth at the time.
A Calling to Religious Life
Sister Murekatete did not initially envision a religious life, growing up as a young girl but she would later encounter what she describes as a calling. When I was a school student, I did not think of it. But as a school teacher, at the age of 26, I felt a calling from God. It is like choosing to marry; it is given. You have many choices about your path, and you must follow it carefully, she explained. In 1978, she joined the Benebikira congregation, known as the ‘Daughters of the Virgin Mary’, a community that became her spiritual home. She recalls her first day in the congregation. The first day I entered the community, I felt I belonged. I was accepted, and I knew I was where I was meant to be,” she says, despite joining at what is considered a late age of 26.
Leadership and Educational Contributions
Upon completing her studies, Sister Murekatete dedicated herself to the field of education, holding leadership positions for 18 years. She was instrumental in founding Notre-Dame des Anges Primary School in Remera, Kigali – which became a beacon of education and ethical guidance for young people. I worked there for 14 years, she said. Between 2007 and 2021, Sister Murekatete faced health challenges that eventually prompted her retirement, yet her dedication and moral leadership continued to define her life and legacy.
Experiences During the Genocide Against the Tutsi
Sister Murekatete’s book is deeply informed by her experiences during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, when she served as headmistress of Groupe Scolaire Sainte Bernadette in Save, one of Rwanda’s most prestigious schools. As a highly educated Tutsi in a position of influence, she became a target for those perpetrating the violence. I was among the hunted. I had higher education, I was headmistress of a big school, yet I survived through the protection of the Benebikira Sisters, and the grace of God. This survival, by a miracle, is the central theme of my book, she said.
Faith, Courage, and Solidarity
Faith in Sister Murekatete’s narrative is both personal and communal. The Benebikira Sisters collectively refused to discriminate against any individual, regardless of ethnic background. This unity became both a source of strength and a shield against attackers. In our community, no one was discriminated against. We all shared responsibilities according to our abilities. That solidarity saved us, she said. Her book also records acts of courage and self-sacrifice, including nuns who died protecting those seeking refuge.
Motivation Behind the Book
The decision to write the book stemmed from a desire to preserve memory, transmit lessons to future generations, and offer guidance to survivors. Initially planning an article, Sister Murekatete was encouraged by a writer to expand it into a book. After retiring, she dedicated two years from 2023 to 2024 to completing the manuscript. The book was first written in Kinyarwanda and later translated into French to reach a wider audience.
Reflections from the Launch
During the launch held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Minister Bizimana praised Sister Murekatete’s work as a vital contribution to Rwanda’s historical memory and moral education. He highlighted the bravery of the Benebikira Sisters and their critical role in protecting victims of the Genocide – emphasizing that such stories provide enduring lessons for unity, forgiveness, and resilience.
Legacy of the Benebikira Sisters
Sister Murekatete’s book brings to light the multifaceted role of the Benebikira Sisters as educators, caregivers, and moral anchors. By providing sanctuary, food, and guidance, the Sisters preserved lives and offered hope amid chaos. Their refusal to segregate or discriminate within their community exemplified moral courage and collective strength.
A Teacher’s Perspective on Reconstruction
After the Genocide, Sister Murekatete turned her attention to education as a vehicle for national healing. She recalls the challenges of working with traumatized children, both orphaned survivors and others grappling with the weight of their parents’ actions during the genocide.
Passing on Lessons to Future Generations
Sister Murekatete is passionate about ensuring that the younger generation learns from the experiences of survivors. To survivors, we need to write our stories for the young generations. We need to inform them, instruct them with our stories, so they know what to avoid and what to embrace, she said. The book, therefore, is not just a historical account; it is a moral guide aimed at cultivating resilience, courage, and ethical responsibility in Rwanda’s youth.
Preserving the Voice, Reaching Many
Sister Murekatete continues to hope for broader dissemination of her work. While the book is currently available in Kinyarwanda and French, she plans an English edition, though financial constraints remain. She emphasizes that preserving historical memory is an ongoing responsibility.
A Life Well Lived
Sister Murekatete’s life stands as a testament to courage, faith, and unwavering dedication. From her early years in education, through the horrors of 1994, to her later work as a teacher, administrator, and author, she embodies the transformative power of faith, community, and learning in rebuilding lives and nurturing hope. Her book serves as both historical record and moral compass, reminding readers of the importance of solidarity, empathy, and ethical leadership. In telling her story, Sister Murekatete ensures that the lessons of the past continue to illuminate the future, offering hope and guidance for generations yet to come.
