Fundamental Principles

What the six fundamental principles in Article 10 of Rwanda's Constitution mean, why the nation adopted them after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, how citizens and government uphold them, and where they are still tested in daily life.

2

The 1789 French Revolution

Why France rose against its king in 1789, how the Revolution moved from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, the Terror and Napoleon between 1789 and 1799, and what it changed in France, Europe, Africa and the history of democracy.

3

The First World War

Why the great powers went to war in 1914, how the war was fought in Europe and in Africa, including in Rwanda, how it ended with the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations, and how it changed societies and international relations.

4

Between the Two World Wars

How the Great Depression of 1929 to 1933 spread from Wall Street to the world, including colonial Africa, how governments fought it, why totalitarian regimes rose in Italy and Germany, how Mussolini and Hitler held power, and how Fascism and Nazism fell.

5

The Second World War

Why a second world war broke out only twenty years after the first, how it was fought from 1939 to 1945 in Europe, Asia and Africa, what part Africans and Rwanda played, how the Nazis carried out the Holocaust, and how the war changed the world.

6

Colonial Reforms and Their Consequences on African Societies

How the colonial powers reshaped African government, economies and cultures between the 1880s and the 1950s, how the Belgian administration and the missions changed Rwanda, including forced labour and the identity cards of the 1930s, and how these reforms still shape African societies.

7

Decolonisation in Africa with Case Studies of Ghana and Kenya

Why most of Africa won independence between the 1950s and the 1970s, what independence changed, and how two British colonies took different roads to freedom: Ghana by mass politics and elections, Kenya through land grievances, the Mau Mau war and negotiation.

8

Democratisation Process

What democratisation means and how it can be measured, how African countries moved towards multiparty democracy from 1990, and how Rwanda has built democratic institutions since 1994 compared with its neighbours in the East African Community.

9

Consequences of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi

What the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi cost Rwanda in lives, health, trust, government and the economy; why memorial sites matter; the challenges of rebuilding; and how Gacaca, unity and reconciliation, remembrance and the law against genocide ideology helped rebuild the nation.

10

Factors and Challenges for National Independence

What national independence means beyond the flag of 1962: the political, economic and socio-cultural factors it depends on, the challenges Rwanda faces in achieving it, and how citizens and the state promote and sustain self-reliance.

11

Understanding Rwanda in Reference to Its Location

Where Rwanda is, in absolute and relative terms; how its position shapes who Rwandans are, as citizens of Rwanda, East Africa and Africa; the opportunities and challenges of a landlocked location; and why regional integration in East Africa matters.

12

Family and Personal Values

What values are and where they come from; Rwandan cultural values and taboos, and which of them still serve us today; why conflicts arise between parents and children, and how honest dialogue resolves them and protects children.

13

Tolerance and Respect

What bias, prejudice, stigma, intolerance, harassment, rejection and bullying mean; how they harm peers, people living with HIV, people with disabilities and anyone seen as different; and what individuals, schools and the state can do to promote equality, respect and dignity.

Units