Vjekoslav Name Meaning

Vjekoslav Curic

was a Bosnian Croat priest and humanitarian. He is one of the recognized martyrs of Franciscan Province of Bosna Srebrena. In Rwanda he is known as "African Oscar Schindler" and a school in Kivumu is named after him. Fra Vjeko, a young and capable priest, gained worldwide recognition during the time of the violent conflict between the Hutu and Tutsi, when he selflessly worked to help the victims of both groups. He also brought numerous whites (bishops, priests, monks, nuns and others) to safety. When the killing began in Kivumu, people turned to Fra Vjeko for help. He had lived in Nyamabuye 1, Gitarama for more than ten years, and had long worked to promote development in the area. He was well known and loved by his congregation at the Parish of Kivumu; his decision to remain in Rwanda during the genocide brought him to the heart of the local community. When most other expatriates were evacuated, Fr. Vjeko stood by the people of Kivumu during the worst experiences of their lives. He devoted himself to providing practical and medical assistance to the displaced and to helping people escape. Vjeko was outspoken in his condemnation of the violence and continued to preach the values of peace and unity throughout the genocide. More often than not, he was threatened by the Interahamwe for having stood in their way. In the aftermath, Fr. Vjeko demonstrated his impartiality, helping both Hutus and Tutsis to rebuild their communities. The homes and buildings Fr. Vjeko helped to fund are still standing in Kivumu up to today. He was killed under unclear circumstances on January 31, 1998.