The Unity Club Intwararumuri launched the fifth cohort of the Ndi Umunyarwanda programme in schools, a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening national unity and fostering a shared identity among young Rwandans.

The launch took place on Monday, March 9, at Lycée de Kigali at the national level, with similar events simultaneously kicking off in schools across the country.

Ndi Umunyarwanda is a national programme designed to encourage Rwandans, mostly young people, to engage in open conversations about the country’s history, promote resilience, and reinforce values of unity and patriotism. The initiative was first introduced in educational institutions in 2019.

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For students, the programme complements lessons they have already begun learning at home.

Alice Ingabire, a student at Lycée de Kigali, said she first learned about the values of Ndi Umunyarwanda through conversations with her parents.

"I first heard about Ndi Umunyarwanda from my parents, who taught me a lot about the history of our country and what we, as young people, must do to protect the achievements the country has made over the years,” she said.

"Programmes like this help us understand more about what we already know, while also helping those who have not had the opportunity to learn about the country’s history and why Ndi Umunyarwanda matters,” she added.

Jean Mfurayase, the head teacher of Lycée de Kigali, said the programme serves as a reminder that unity remains the cornerstone of Rwanda’s development.

"As we launch the fifth cohort of Ndi Umunyarwanda in schools, it reminds us that unity is the foundation of the country’s development,” he said. "Schools are where the future of the nation is shaped. It is here that we instill the values of patriotism, love for the country, and unity among Rwandans.”

He added that the presence of government officials at the launch reflects the importance placed on ensuring that students grow into responsible leaders who uphold national values.

Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, the Minister of Youth and Arts, noted that dialogues under the Ndi Umunyarwanda programme have already been implemented in universities, where they have contributed to strengthening civic engagement and national values among students.

According to the minister, university students actively participate in national programmes such as community service activities and commemoration events, demonstrating the positive impact of these discussions.

He said expanding the programme to high schools is critical in addressing challenges that may emerge among younger students, including cases linked to genocide ideology.

"We have seen positive results in universities, where students participate in national programmes such as community service and commemoration activities,” he said. "But it is equally important to begin these conversations earlier in high schools so that young people understand their history and the values that unite them.”

Utumatwishima urged students to critically engage with information they encounter, particularly on social media, where misleading narratives and divisive ideologies can sometimes spread.

He explained that some young people encounter distorted historical accounts from people who deny or distort the truth about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The minister also spoke about the importance of understanding Rwanda’s history in order to prevent divisionism and strengthen national unity. He encouraged students to visit memorial sites, museums, and other educational spaces where they can learn more about the country’s past.

"Understanding our history is essential in building a future free from division,” he told the students. "You should seek knowledge, visit memorials and museums, and use accurate information to counter misinformation, including on social media.”

He further urged young people to embrace values such as hard work, patriotism, and innovation, which contribute to protecting and advancing the country’s development.

Nelson Mbarushimana, Director General of the Rwanda Education Board (REB), welcomed the programme, noting that it aligns with the broader goals of Rwanda’s education system.

"Our responsibility as the education sector is to ensure quality education, and programmes like Ndi Umunyarwanda complement the values already embedded in our curriculum, including unity, patriotism, and resilience,” he said.

Mbarushimana explained that the discussions aim to create a platform where students can openly address issues affecting Rwandans and collectively seek sustainable solutions.

"As the Ministry of Education, we will continue to monitor how these discussions are conducted in schools,” he said. "We encourage students, teachers, and school leaders to use this platform to better understand the programme while strengthening unity and resilience among Rwandans.”