LOOKING FOR A LASTING PEACE BEFORE RETURNING

When the genocide ended in July 1994 and the government's change of power began to take place, Paul Rusesabagina was exiled to Belgium with his family. He has returned only once -- on the 10th anniversary of the genocide.

Rusesabagina explained that if there is ever peace in Rwanda, he would be the first to return. However, for there to be lasting peace, the world must value Rwanda as well as all of Africa, and the Rwandan people will need to strive for peace themselves.

Politically, Rwanda is unstable, as Hutus and Tutsis learn to live together again. Economically, it's one of the world's poorest countries. About 90 percent of its people are struggling farmers.

The 1994 genocide destroyed Rwanda's fragile economy and the country's ability to attract private and external investment. However, substantial support is coming in from donors, which is giving it some stability. Poverty, though, remains high.

A big concern is the country's children, who make up more than half of its population. Many have lost parents and are raising themselves and their siblings. Most need food, clothing, counseling, medical care and education, as many schools have shut down because of lack of teachers and supplies. According to UNICEF, more than 400,000 children have never attended school.

For Rusesabagina, education is a priority.

"I believe that all those children will not only need food," he said. "A child makes a character between the age of 12 and 18. They need schools, and unfortunately nothing is being done seriously to get them to schools."

Without education, he fears ignorance will lead to hatred again.

"If you don't send those children to schools, they will be street kids, and the genocide will keep on repeating itself, just as history repeats itself and doesn't ever teach us a lesson," he said.

As I listened to Rusesabagina, I couldn't believe how calm he was. He did not get angry about his exile or the fate of his people. He is trying to draw attention not only to Rwanda, but also to other African nations.

He has faith in his people.

"We are a landlocked country, but hard-working, and since we are hard-working people, we can always make it."