When We See Us - Rwanda and the power of traditional wisdom | Jeanne Adili Ndatirwa | TEDxBerlin

Reflecting on their identity and experiences, the speaker discusses the evolution of their perception of themselves and Rwanda, emphasizing the importance of traditional knowledge systems. They recount the complex history of Rwanda, from colonial influences to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and share how witnessing Rwanda's resilience and beauty challenged their initial perceptions. The speaker highlights Rwanda's reconnection with traditional knowledge systems after the genocide and suggests that embracing such wisdom can offer solutions to global issues like climate change, migration, and terrorism. Jeanne Adili Ndatirwa, the wife of the Rwandan Ambassador to Berlin, is a financial expert with a background in accounting and finance. Formerly the Interim Dean for the MBA program at Touro Berlin College, she held roles in academia and finance, including Head of the Department of Accounting and Finance at Campus St Jean, U of Alberta, and Account Manager for Ford Credit Canada. Currently, Jeanne is actively involved in not-for-profit organizations and serves as the president of the group of spouses of African Ambassadors. She holds a business degree, has received academic recognition, and enjoys reading, traveling, and flying single-engine propeller planes. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@murigandecharles5174]

I've never written a comment after watching a KZbin video, but I couldn't keep quiet after listening to Jeanne's moving and exteemely informative TEDx presentation. It is the best summary of Rwanda's history before, during and after colonization. It gives a clear and concise presentation of the reasons/factors of our quick and successful post-genocide transformation. Thank you so much dear sister. You made us proud!

[@pencocheng7638]

I couldn't have said it better 👏🏾👏🏾

[@ntarecesar4513]

Agreed

[@user-fq6yn6wh4z]

She nailed it all. No better way to say it. We are so proud of you Sister.

[@jeannefourrier5188]

Extraordinaire ! Fière de toi Jeanne Une grande et intelligente oratrice 🙏😘

[@Notmyrealname69420]

Rwanda is truly an amazing country that can teach many lessons about not just genocide/reconciliation but about good governance. Living in Rwanda off and on being from Quebec taught me a lot about our own ethnic issues and how the only way to solve the issue is shared prosperity. Quebec was pretty backwards before 1960 and an English population of about 15% ruled over the very traditional French catholic majority which led to a lot of animosity. When I saw French québécois writing genocide denial pieces about Rwanda a few conclusions clicked. Our divisions are similar because of a shared history of feudalism and French and english colonialism still splitting the world on colonial languages. The attitudes of both groups to each other are very similar and our demographic sizes are almost exactly the same with a back and forth of ethnic rivalries but… we didn’t have a genocide because even though Quebec was much poorer than the rest of North America we were still a lot richer than Rwanda and there was no geopolitical power play possible in Quebec while contrary to popular belief in the west, Rwanda is a very important strategic country. In Quebec you still have older people who will not accept their family members to marry and Anglo or québécois and the same thing in Rwanda but the young people don’t care. Quebec was a way more backwards place even 30-40 years ago and the transformation in Rwanda is incomparable. Meanwhile in Congo where things have not changed but maybe got worse since the 90s, genocide ideology is seing a massive resurgence. In America economic conditions are getting worse and race problems are getting worse. The mix of scarcity and tribalism is deadly. Who cares who’s a Hutu or Tutsi when everyone’s lives are getting better. Who cares if the Anglos are doing well if québécois are thriving and don’t feel like second class citizens in their own province. With mutual respect and prosperity, ethnic lines will break down as people intermarry, this is why in a couple generations I hope these petty ethnic rivalries in my homeland and the country I’ve felt truly welcomed in, can truly be a thing of the past because it serves zero purpose in post colonial states

[@jeandesirekabamba2349]

Dear Jeanne, I am glad I watched your inspiring and very much edifying presentation. You remind me of Munyinginya and her brother Elias. It is 1970, I was only 7 years when they family returned to Rwanda as their father ( single parent ) reached his retirement age in the copper mines in Kipushi, Congo D R. Munyinginya was our big sister. She took care of us when Mum was away. We knew nothing about ethnicity or nationality. She was our beloved sister ( Tutsi) and I am Congolese! I am in my 60s and still fondly cherish the memories of my dear sister. I pray that one day, the Ubumintu will heal the wounds of the current adversity between Rwanda and Cingo DR. Brotherly

[@kayitareivan1547]

Well said Ndatirwa 👏🏽👏🏽 Rwanda is a good example of reconciliation The way we don’t feel Tutsi or Hutu anymore is something you can’t explain to a foreigner, the way we are developing, how peaceful and safe we are, the cleanest country I have ever seen.. etc

[@ulouise1]

Very insightful. First time i see somone explaining Rwanda, the way it is supposed to be.

[@Prime_Ent]

Proud to be alive now! while Rwanda is making it to the top. Showcasing our outstanding culture,history,minds and everything that makes Rwanda exceptional. Let’s take it to the top,ain’t no limit to what we can achieve 💪🏿💪🏾 RWANDA FOREVER

[@musathegodson9873]

We are all so proud of you dear Ndatirwa🇨🇦🇷🇼

[@doomedinscrolling3587]

I wish we could have this talk in schools in Burundi and Rwanda , its so well explained! Thank you Mm Jeanne for shining this light that we so much need ❤❤❤

[@kingdomwatchmanministries2230]

Excellent sister. They told everything from us even that biblical history but they won't steal our Ubuntu. Burundi/ Rwanda, one people one history.

[@user-ow4nn4sy4o]

Proud to be Rwandan, I believe One Day we will be eye of Africa because we have to achieve what others call impossible

[@innocentrutayisire6391]

Hello Sister Ndatirwa. From a Wanna be a Pilot to a wonderful professor at TED, what else can we add except saying Congrats & God bless. Keep teaching the world and age gracefully... Excellent presentation... ❤❤❤

[@pietrosavvides5472]

So much history, great talk, will have to visit now 😊

[@ericturatsinze1773]

Thank you Ndatirwa, well done

[@kalizaphiona4930]

urasa neza mubyeyi

[@mutijima1]

I can just say thank you for sharing our history. A Rwandan story told by A Rwanda from Rwandan eyes. Thank you also for mentioning our choice of giving the vision of the country basing on our culture. Yes we are Rwandans and we stand for unity. Thank you

[@dominicsoore8967]

Indeed, home is where one begins, Africa must embrace her cultural identity religion values and beliefs

[@eugenensabiofficial5402]

This is an interesting presentation with a clear picture of Rwandan history and now days.

[@SineTrader]

Thank you for your presentation about our country, Rwandans, we're proud of you.

[@mathildemukantabana9327]

Phenomenal talk dear Jeanne👍👏

[@k_g1504]

Now this is the truth about Rwanda! i think these are just talking points, she needs more time to elaborate on each topic. Rwanda history is so rich with this new worlds solutions to its problems! visit Rwanda and find yourself like i did too! such a brilliant presentation

[@wisdom_mining]

delighted to see a child born abroad, so proud of her identity even though the history is not good, but still accept the challenge to explain and share her insight. so proud of you Ndatirwa!

[@mavivieh.4524]

Très belle présentation, humble et profonde. Félicitations Jeanne !

[@yuhicesar3506]

What an insightful Ted talk, very proud❤️

[@tuganebill]

Who is this brilliant sister whose name is J Adili Ndatirwa ? Thank you sister. Very interesting and well presented history of Rwanda. This is how Kwaanda starts, you deserve it. Let' s our beautiful country be well presented and well known.

[@kipapula6838]

What an inspiring set. Proud of you and Rwanda. Keep shining

[@appolinairendiho4245]

Thank you for your contribution Sister Jeanne 👏👏 I am so proud of you ur'uwagaciro cyane.

[@fredsiewe3028]

Well done Jeanne so Proud of You ❤

[@kamikazijeanne4405]

Bravoooo da Jeanne Très belle présentation

[@sharayutravels]

Thank you for sharing this story. It resonates with India. We faced for 1200 yrs.

[@user-wo2cv1gt1q]

what a wonderful talk If we have more talks like this we can build fantastic and remarkable world. God bless you J.Adili Ndatirwa

[@ikome2129]

Congratulations My sister! Wakoze cyane !

[@boosta173]

thanks for this wonderful sppech...From a fellow Rwandan🙏

[@princesdekoush8923]

Thank you Adili! Remarkable!

[@mamisaid4280]

Fière de toi Jeanne… thank you for representing us

[@claires6490]

Très très bonne présentation! Vous êtes très inspirante. Merci beaucoup 👏🏾👏🏾

[@renaumurutasate]

Iam proud to be Rwandan ❤❤❤❤I hope to will make the same statement about my Country one day ❤❤

[@roswithac5838]

Very good analysis ,Jeanne very good presentation

[@andyamour8759]

Well done 👏 🎉sister Jeanne. You got this talent , amazing teacher . Proud of you.

[@AllyMurerwa-wq5uv]

Congratulations my dear sister I'm really proud of u

[@user-zu6zd3it4f]

That's wonderful

[@faithshaw5542]

Well done! Thank you.

[@innocenthirwa4371]

Thank you, Ndatirwa 🙏 tell 'em ❤🇷🇼

[@UJCaleb]

Thank you dear Jeanine for this informatively presentation our history must be told by us!

[@seisoconsultancy5944]

I can attest to the cow and cleanliness story. God bless you for sharing...

[@Kayigi17]

Wow! My country 🇷🇼💙💛💚

[@gamk8125]

Monumental, Jeanne! What an insightful and inspiring combination of erudition, humility and wisdom. Articulate African voices must be heard in the telling of our own stories and yours is unabashedly strong and clear. Thank you!

[@pierrecelestinuwitonze4592]

This is one of the brilliant talk I ever seen which is summarizing the truth history and culture of Rwanda. Thank you my sister much appreciated ❤.

[@fidesetratio2935]

Thank you so much Jeanne

[@Umunyarwandakazi_]

Wowouuuuh, you did it well Jeanne🎉

[@aliceumugiraneza8450]

Thank you and well done. Now let’s spread this TDx

[@AlexKontent]

Very calm and eloquent yet powerful ❤️🙏🙏🙏

[@jeanbaptistehavugimana1308]

Excellent! I wish we can have many more Ndatirwa like you. Thumbs up Sister!

[@TenToesDownInc.]

I’m from Kivu, half of which finds itself in Rwanda and half in Congo today. that whole region has its own flavour, its own feel for life handed down from the urewe culture/ civilisation. Leopold of Belgium had no right to draw boundaries around these people and separate them forever 😢

[@nkurucpa3492]

Thank you for a great presentation

[@nickymumu4596]

I am beyond proud and happy to see this Ted talk 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@munerik-ii3514]

Just WOOOW and well stated History with Rwandan Ladies arrogance and traditional outfit

[@mwenengofero]

I hope you mean elegance and not arrogance.

[@munerik-ii3514]

@@mwenengofero Yeah Sure

[@kevinmuganza]

powerful insights shared 🔥

[@theboss5503]

Brilliant!

[@benitagasore6531]

Deep and interesting.❤👌

[@luckyyvan9568]

Urakoze mubyeyi mwiza

[@niyibiziannaclet9402]

Congratulations!!!

[@amcgee0668]

Interesting🤔

[@Onimu2023]

Elaborated summary of the truth

[@jehovashalompracious3714]

Great

[@DidaceTwahirwa]

Good presentation!!

[@MayDay-vw7db]

Thanks for the presentation, here are some of my thoughts: Gira Inka, akarima k’igikoni and all the likes:- I believe it’s time to think beyond these small projects, I can’t picture how these projects will make us a second or first world country. Perhaps it’s time to think about industrialization? Let’s think big; how would you feel if: - Rwanda is free from poverty, - all its citizens can have 3 good meals a day - parents don’t have to worry where the next meal to feed their families will come from. Ubumuntu, indangagaciro, agaciro:- these are just mere words tbh, in the East African region we have beefs with all the neighboring countries; borders are closed and we the Rwandans suffer. There is no value in these words, if we are a problem to all our neighboring countries. Umuganda:- let’s become a first or second world then we can give these umuganda jobs to companies. Why should a Rwandan citizen be ordered to go and clean a school, a road, ….. so yeah, let’s build a strong economy and then bring in company’s to do such jobs for the citizens. Last but not least, almost 30 years later (after the genocide) and we are still talking about tribes, blaming colonialism for all our troubles. It’s time to realize that Kagame’s regime has failed us. Although most of us were born as refugees and this regime brought us back into the country, I’ll be thankful for that but I won’t give credit where there is no longer anything to credit. Let’s acknowledge that this regime has failed us, We the youth, let’s have open discussions about the future of our country. My prayers and hope is to see Rwanda: - as a country that doesn’t see tribe, - a country for all Rwandans. - a country of wealth, health, democracy for all. - a country where all citizens are fulfilled, content and happy. - a country where the citizen feel like ‘there is no place like home (Rwanda)’ thus no reason to migrate. - a country that flows honey and milk, just like our forefathers used to say!

[@antoinettekankindi6807]

Could add the other meaning of Ubuntu = generosity 🎉🎉🎉

[@rwamurindamuhireadolphe8498]

🇷🇼 ❤

[@kayizziritah3029]

These traditions are found in most African countries except that most societies have lost these values because of several reasons like westernisation in terms of administration and leadership, instability , political conflicts, besides being more diverse beyond just two Huntu Vs Ttusi and a diverse languages & culture. I come from Uganda, a muganda from central region and all these valves were practised by my grandparents. I have visited Zimbabwe and these values still show up diluted by taking on western values.

[@Impano1]

Nakunze uburyo wambaye neza mubyeyi nk'umunyarwandakazi. Kandi wakoze gusobanira amateka y'u Rwanda abantu batari bayazi. Wakoze!!

[@fulgencekandekwe4649]

Well said my sister, but there is no where in entire world to share humanity. Its a fresh lies 😅😅😅😅😅. Even on that TEDx talks. But uri umuswayire mwiza.

[@BenjaminIRABISOHOJE-ox6im]

🇷🇼🇷🇼🇷🇼

[@beautyfulbloom]

the hamatic hypothesis is now being used by the leadership within Rwanda-Uganda, there is a narrative being pushed that there are clans that are more superior than others.

[@Roglat]

What do you mean by “within Rwanda-Uganda? “ In Rwanda we don’t have clans. In Uganda it might be possible because they have some ethnic groups but in Rwanda it’s absolutely not true. If you think I’m not telling the truth, next time you meet a Rwandan, ask him/her which clan they come from.

[@peaceandjustice2639]

Lady, please talk about the people who are innocent and jailed because of Gacaca. Rwanda's Geschichte muss neu erzaehlt werden. Rwanda was a clean country even before the Genocide. It was called The african Swizerland. Read the book of Chales Onana, Judy Rever, Noël Ndanyuzwe etc to know the thruth about Rwanda.

[@Lions-mindset1357._]

We Rwandans don’t need to read about what someone knows about us, we know about ourselves, that’s pathetic proposition.

[@Goodman.600]

hhhh Everything Charles Onana and Judy Rever🤔 says about Rwanda it's against Rwandan government!!!

[@Goodman.600]

​@@Lions-mindset1357._exactly👌

[@jeromemusemakweli3965]

Umuganda was created by Habyalimana and continued by Kagame, check your facts 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@Impano1]

Umuganda has been in Rwanda since pre colonial Rwanda that true.

[@Nelson_Rwa]

My sister, I appreciate your eloquence, but your speech is nothing but current Rwandan autocratic regime's propaganda aimed at hiding inconvenient truths & masking their role in our country's woes. For your information, Hutus, Tutsis & Twas existed under the Tutsis aristocratic rule way before colonial anthropologists entered Rwanda & Burundi. Congratulations 👏👏

[@Nene..93]

Funny that the privileged ones(tutsi) say there's no sectarianism yet the underprivileged (hutu) say there's sectarianism

[@Notmyrealname69420]

Most of the Rwandans playing up ethnic rivalries are former beneficiaries of the ex government. Most of the peasant class care about food being in the table, the presence of social services and there being peace. No one wants war in Rwanda except exiles in Belgium and Kivu. No one wants a return to fascism, they want to live peacefully seeing their standards of living slowly increase and most importantly not have mass violence in their village. There is sectarianism in Rwanda, among the elite. 90% of Rwandans don’t care if it’s a tutsi,Hutu or even twa leading them because it doesn’t significantly change their life in anyway, they’re still a peasant farmer either way but they like not dying during childbirth or having electricity brought to their village

[@JKooky-ih8hm]

@@Notmyrealname69420you may want to do more research for yourself. I am sure they tell you what they want you to hear.

[@barakamirenge9513]

No, that's incorrect. The speech portrays a political narrative of the Tutsi Brotherhood that goes against the truth. While it's your right to express your thoughts and opinions to millions, it's regrettable to base them on falsehoods by examining history from only one perspective. Please, delve into an investigation and consider the other side. I'm not Rwandan, as you know, but I've delved into Rwanda's history and the genocide. The issue at hand is, if Hutusi refered to the upper class and not an ethnic group, why are even the privileged Hutus denied rights and freedom in Rwanda? Why do some Tutsis, without cows, still identify themselves as Tutsi? Additionally, why did Paul Kagame and Habiarimana fight, despite both belonging to the VIP class? Your narrative seems to serve the Tutsi ideology exclusively. I'm not suggesting you shouldn't express your viewpoint, but an unbiased person may find it challenging to trust your perspective.

[@user-xo7cs1dd4b]

The truth hurt you , she presented well from all side ,

[@Impano1]

She explained everything clearly. The people that disagree with this are most people that have those ideology of genocide that see rwandans as Tutsi or hutu now all of these are history. There are no Tutsi or hutu in Rwanda. There are only Rwandans that share the same language and culture as well. Rwandans are united now.

[@Goodman.600]

​@@Impano1exactly 💯

[@chingejotham3508]

The genocide wasnt againist the Tutsi...but i only agree that are the ones who were much affected. Dont ignore the rest who were also affected. Tutsi were also criminal during 1994 genocide, dont clean then 100%

[@jeaneuwii]

Imana ikubabarire pe!

[@Kubahoneza]

I would like to tell you that keep quiet because you don't know what your are talking about

[@ruzimabonieck6908]

😂😂😂, the facts she represented speak louder, go away interahamwe, you were defeated by Inkotanyi, keep crying hamwe no guhekenya amenyo.

[@Kubahoneza]

@@ruzimabonieck6908 Gutsirwa s'icyaha ahubwo: Kubeshya, Ubugome, uburiganya, Kwicya, nibindi byishyi ntarondoye nibyo cyaha gikomeye.

[@Goodman.600]

​@@ruzimabonieck6908😂😂😂😂 baba batangatanze hose ngo bavuge ubusa 🤣🤣 Nyamara babuze ubatega amatwi 🤔🤣

[@ruzimabonieck6908]

@@Goodman.600 hhhh, baragotswe, nibakomeze bamaramare...

[@Goodman.600]

@@ruzimabonieck6908 🤣🤣🤣👌 Amaraso ni mabi

[@peaceandjustice2639]

If Tutsi's were not allowed to go to Rwanda, how do you explain that Kagame regulary visited his aunty Gicanda before 94? Please stop telling lies.....

[@karangwa2315]

It was dangerous for him I was born in Burundi and I never stepped in Rwanda until 94 but do you know that there was a time for a Rwandan living in Rwanda to live in a place to another a laisser passez was required imagine for a Tutsi from out side

[@nkurucpa3492]

Kagame is not an average people and remember that he was a military intelligence officer, so he might know how to take those kind of risk. Stop lying yourself

[@alinempinga7403]

Inspirational message 🙏🙏

[@ruzimabonieck6908]

Dude chill, the man was a highly trained militant.