The Chinese community in Rwanda yesterday joined locals in the monthly community work, Umuganda. They worked at Nyanza Memorial Site in Kicukiro District.

This was part of the special ‘Global Umuganda’ that was carried out in various places across the world, as part of the activities leading up to the 20th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The activity was organised to bring the youth together, particularly students, to contribute to national development and reflect on the Genocide.

Among the participants were youth from the City of Kigali as well as students from Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre and Kigali Institute of Science and Technology.

Workers of the Rwanda Federation of Transport Cooperatives, government officials and the mayor of Kicukiro, Paul Jules Ndamage also attended.

Si Xiao Wei the deputy manager of China Road and Bridge Construction company, said that although the Chinese community has always taken part in Umuganda, this month’s exercise was a special one.

"We wanted to come and join efforts in the global community work to show Rwandans that we are part of them and we are in the same community as we prepare for the 20th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” he said.

He added that, this is an opportunity for them to make a contribution to the community they live in.

The executive secretary Ibuka at Nyanza Memorial Site, Nafutali Ahishakiye, thanked the district for organising the event the saw the area cleared at no cost.

"This is an effective way of pooling efforts towards building our nation. Through such programmes, the youth get time to discuss issues such as preventing crime, fighting Genocide ideology as well as discussing development issues,” he said.

He urged the youth to continue with the campaign to sensitise others against Genocide.