In a vibrant celebration of Africa’s diversity, identity, and sense of belonging, the Institut d’Enseignement Supérieur de Ruhengeri (INES-Ruhengeri) marked the fifth edition of its Intercultural Day on Friday, March 27, reaffirming its commitment to preserving African history and culture, while fostering unity among young people from across the continent.

The annual event at the higher learning institution brought together students, university leaders, local authorities, security officials, diplomats, government representatives, and partners in a colourful showcase of the rich multicultural community that defines the institution.

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Home to students from 25 nationalities, INES-Ruhengeri used the occasion to highlight the richness of its international environment. More than 10 countries, including Rwanda, set up exhibition tents featuring traditional dishes, cultural attire, historical presentations, music, and dance performances.

Speaking at the event, the university’s Chancellor, Bishop Vincent Harolimana, described the celebration – with an analogy – as a beautiful garden filled with different flowers, a symbol of the many cultures and nationalities represented at the university.

"We are living proof that humanity is one big family,” Harolimana said, underscoring the university’s vision of internationalisation.

"To be universal means to open our arms to everyone. We want this university to be a place where the world meets, works, and plays together. Here, no culture is better than another and no history is more important than another.”

Held under the theme "Celebrating Diversity and Belonging,” this year’s event encouraged students to take pride in their roots while embracing shared humanity. Harolimana reminded students that studying in Rwanda should not distance them from their heritage, but rather deepen their appreciation of it.

He added that INES-Ruhengeri seeks to offer more than academic training, saying the institution promotes an education that shapes both the mind and the soul. (Visit www.ines.ac.rw to find all INES Ruhengeri programmes).

Harolimana thanked the school administration, faculty, students, and partners for making the event possible, noting that Intercultural Day is not only a celebration of difference but also a reminder that cultural diversity should inspire peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and knowledge sharing.

"Let us build on our own cultures to embrace diversity and promote respect for all,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Charity Manyeruke, echoed that message, describing the event as a reflection of Africa itself.

"As I look around, I see Africa alive. I see colour, I see traditions, I see pride, I see our music, our dress, our languages, and even the food being shared. All these are expressions of who we are,” she said.

Manyeruke observed that culture goes beyond what is displayed in public, arguing that it shapes values, identity, and the way people understand themselves and the world.

"Culture is not just what we display, it is who we are. It shapes our values, thinking, and identity. When you present your culture, you are presenting your history and affirming our place in the world,” she said.

She urged young people to preserve African culture, saying it remains the foundation upon which the continent must build its future. Africa’s differences, she added, should serve as a source of unity rather than division.

Addressing students directly, the ambassador called on them to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to their studies, saying they have a central role to play in solving the continent’s challenges.

"Africa has immense potential, but also real challenges. Unemployment, governance gaps, underdevelopment, and technological lag cannot be solved by others. They will be solved by you, by us,” she said.

She added that Africa needs a generation that is educated, innovative, ethical, and solution-driven.

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For many students, the day was more than a celebration. It was also a moment of learning, exchange, and shared pride.

Alek Daniel Chol, a third-year Architecture student from South Sudan, said the event offers students a chance to showcase the richness and variety within their own countries.

"In my country, we have 64 tribes, and they all have different cultures that we present. Each year, we can choose to highlight a different one. We do not stick to one culture. This shows the peace we have among us,” she said.

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Chol added that engaging with other African cultures has helped her realise that the continent shares more similarities than differences.

"It helps us come together as students and celebrate each other from different countries. It helps us communicate traditionally and physically,” she said.

Joel Musoya, a final-year Architecture student from DR Congo, described the event as a rare opportunity to discover both the diversity and the common ground within African cultures.

"It opens a lot of opportunities. Seeing people’s food, clothing, traditional dances, and people enjoying their cultures was a lifetime experience,” Musoya said.

He added that the day creates a sense of community through food sharing, conversation, and collective celebration, while also promoting peace and inspiration among students.

Rwanda, a culturally diverse supporting environment

Pascal Ngendahimana, Executive Secretary of Northern Province, said the celebration reflected Rwanda’s values of unity, diversity, and mutual respect.

"In a world that often struggles with division, Rwanda demonstrates that diversity can be a source of strength and innovation,” he said.

He described INES-Ruhengeri as a beacon of knowledge where students from Rwanda and other countries come together to learn, share, and grow.

Ngendahimana commended the university for creating a space that encourages cultural exchange while nurturing talent, cooperation, and a shared sense of purpose among young people.

"This event reaffirms our collective commitment to inclusive development. No society can achieve sustainable progress if it leaves behind its greatest asset. Inclusion must be intentional, and belonging must be intentional,” he said.

He called on leaders, institutions, and other stakeholders to continue creating spaces where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.

Ngendahimana also said the celebration was a reminder of Rwanda’s own journey and continued commitment to national unity.

"Our country has overcome immense challenges, and today we stand together committed to building a future where every citizen feels a sense of belonging,” he said.

The event concluded with performances of traditional dances from countries including South Sudan, Sudan, Cameroon, Chad, Gabon, and Liberia, among others, bringing the celebration to a close on a festive note.