Story and photos by Dhananji Rathnayake
“I told him, ‘I already forgave you.’ At the time, I wasn’t sure if I was lying, but perhaps that’s just how I process things. Thank you for doing that for me; it has given me another opportunity to live again. Forgiveness is difficult, but it’s how I cut the rope. Now, I’m happy.”
– Frederick Ndabaramiye
In the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, a period marked by unspeakable atrocities, the story of Frederick Ndabaramiye stands out as a beacon of resilience, forgiveness, and hope. His journey from unimaginable brutality to becoming a symbol of healing and inspiration is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for redemption and growth.
As a featured speaker on July 9 in the “Faith, Hope, and Forgiveness” discussion series at St. Pius X Church in Portland, Ndabaramiye captivated his audience with his personal story, providing a fascinating context to an exhibit of his paintings, also at the church.
In the 100 days of the Genocide, over a million people were killed, thousands were maimed or mutilated, and over 300,000 children were separated from their families or orphaned, according to the Rwandan Ministry of Local Government. Violence stemming from the Genocide persisted for years. In 1999 in Ruvuzananga, Rubavu District, the 15-year-old Ndabaramiye was pulled from a bus and savagely attacked by Interahamwe rebels. When he refused their command to kill his 18 fellow passengers, the rebels mercilessly hacked off Frederick’s hands with machetes, leaving him for dead.
“They took us to a place littered with the bodies of the slain and said, ‘You can take care of these people.’ They decided that if I didn’t comply, they would send a message. That message was to cut off my hands. My answer was simple: ‘I can’t. Kill me first.’ ”
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A new beginning
Ndabaramiye found solace and a new beginning at the Imbabazi Orphanage, which provided him with the care and opportunities he needed to start rebuilding his life. Despite the support, Ndabaramiye initially felt hopeless, grappling with the reality of living without hands. Yet, it was within this environment that he began his journey of recovery and self-discovery.
“How am I going to live without a hand?” Ndabaramiye wondered. “Everyone else leaves the hospital in better condition. I can see myself. I feel hopeless. Even though they hug me, feed me, give me everything … I thought, I will not leave from here. I couldn’t believe it.”
Art as a path to healing
As a part of his recovery, Ndabaramiye was forced to re-learn even the most basic skills, such as eating, bathing, and dressing himself. “My goal was to be independent, not to be disabled,” he said. “I had to learn to smile again and bring brightness back into my life.”
When first learning to hold a pencil with both arms, Ndabaramiye drew a butterfly. The butterfly, which is so representative of his new life, became the springboard for his love of art, using various mediums. “I found myself again through painting,” he said. Now an accomplished artist, Ndabaramiye has exhibited his artwork around the world.
“Now I see my obstacles as opportunities, allowing me to grow. I hope to help others see this possibility in their own story as well,” he said.
Infusing hope in lost hearts
Ndabaramiye’s desire to give to others led to the establishment of the Ubumwe Community Center in Gisenyi, Rwanda, alongside his former teacher Zacharie Dusingizimana. With support from Jack Hanna and “Partners In Conservation” at the Columbus, Ohio, Zoo and Aquarium, the center was founded in 2006 to assist individuals with disabilities. Starting with 30 people, the center now serves over 600 individuals, providing education, vocational training, and a supportive community.
“Loss of my hands gave me the deep desire to touch the lives of others like me with understanding, encouragement, and love,” said Ndabaramiye.
Today Ndabaramiye and Dusingizimana speak internationally and are mentors to young people everywhere. Their message is clear: a disability of the spirit is far worse than a physical disability. “The three simple words I want to share are ‘Never give up,’ ” Ndabaramiye said. “My heart’s desire is to inspire and encourage others on their journey to live a life full of possibilities.”
A community of support
The Faith, Hope, and Forgiveness discussion series exemplifies Ndabaramiye’s message. By highlighting his remarkable story of healing, the church’s Social Justice and Peace Commission, along with the ACTS Retreat Program, fosters a sense of community and support for immigrants and those facing adversity. The exhibition of Ndabaramiye’s paintings, along with the inspiring discussions on faith, hope, and forgiveness, left a profound impact on attendees. His story is told in his book Frederick: A Story of Boundless Hope, published in September 2014.
At the end of the discussion, Rev. Paul Sullivan said Ndabaramiye’s journey embodies the spirit of perseverance, and that his life is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable suffering, the human spirit can triumph, leading to a life filled with purpose, creativity, and joy.
