When I first arrived in Rwanda, I came as a grieving father, carrying the weight of a profound loss – the loss of my beloved son. They say visitors to Rwanda cry only twice, once upon arrival and once when they leave. I came here seeking a sanctuary, a place where I could not only recover from my grief but also freely express the tears that any parent enduring such a loss should. However, my experience in this remarkable country has been far more complex and enriching than I could have ever anticipated. It has been a tapestry of emotions, woven with threads of sorrow, resilience, hope, and profound human connection.
It has been a deeply humbling and human experience, filled with encounters and stories that have profoundly touched my heart and outlook to life.
Stories like that of Marie Jose from Mugesera, a single mother whose resilience and strength exemplify the spirit of the Rwandan people. Her daily struggles to provide for her children, her triumph over relentless obstacles, and her transformation into a community teacher with a biogas system and hydroponic technology in her home, is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Marie Jose, like so many Rwandans, embodies dignity, pride, and an unyielding resilience that continues to inspire me.
In this beautiful land, I have witnessed a vision of hope and leadership, exemplified by His Excellency President Kagame. In a world craving empathy and direction, Rwanda stands out as a beacon, illuminating the path to dignified living. President Kagame's leadership has propelled Rwanda towards being a symbol of hope, good governance, social cohesion, and sustainable development. His emphasis on dignity and visionary approach has not only reshaped Rwanda but has also cast it as a lodestar on the global stage.
Our continent is on the cusp of a green revolution, and nowhere are the conditions riper than in Africa. Rwanda, under President Kagame's stewardship, has embraced this transformation more ardently than any other. From pioneering open visa policies to championing regional trade, Rwanda is a living example of leadership that doesn't just speak but acts with conviction and purpose. This leadership is not only refreshing but also invigorating, propelling me to remain steadfastly committed to the development of our continent.
As my time in Rwanda comes to a close, I reflect on the journey I've embarked upon, not just in my professional capacity, but in my personal healing and growth. I came here as a father seeking solace and leave as a man profoundly changed by the strength and spirit of this nation and its people. I hope that my efforts here have in some way honored the memory of my son. I hope he looks back at me with satisfaction, seeing a father who has not only carried his memory in his heart but also strived to make a meaningful difference in a world he left too soon.
In the faces of the people I've met, the stories I've heard, and the resilience I've witnessed, I've found not just solace but also inspiration. Rwanda has been more than a place of work; it has been a place of healing, learning, and growing. The lessons I've learned here, the bonds I've formed, and the experiences I've had will forever be a part of who I am.
As I bid you farewell, I carry with me a heart full of gratitude, eyes that have cried more than twice, and a spirit enriched by the beauty, challenges, and triumphs of Rwanda. I leave with the hope that in my time here, I have contributed in a way that respects the memory of my son and the indomitable spirit of this nation.
Murakoze cyane. Thank you very much.
Maxwell Gomera is the Outgoing Resident Representative of United Nations Development Programme - Rwanda.