Every year on February 1, Rwandans mark National Heroes Day, where people who fought injustice, died for the country’s liberation, and those who defended public interests, among others are honoured.
In three categories, the heroes are: Imanzi, those who demonstrated outstanding achievements characterized by supreme sacrifice, outstanding importance and example. Others are Imena and Ingenzi, who are reputed for their extraordinary acts for the country and good ideas, which are characterized by supreme sacrifice, high importance and example
Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that these people were the only heroes Rwanda ever had and will ever have. The values they all shared; integrity, patriotism, humility, bravery, and selflessness, among others, are embedded in the Rwandan culture and everyone should have them.
Countless people have also demonstrated these values in the country, towards their families or their communities at large, and in their day-to-day lives.
Just last week, on January 24, a 39-year-old teacher who is now regarded as a hero in her home town, Kayonza, was buried with her son of 8 years.
When their house caught fire in the night, she managed to get out with her other child, but then realized her youngest was stuck and couldn’t get out.
In the horrific fire, she went back in the house to get him but unfortunately, they both didn’t make it.
In March 2022, a 15-year-old girl picked up an abandoned days-old baby who was abandoned in a sack, on her way to school.
She wrapped the baby in her sweater and went on to ask for help to have the little one survive.
In 2020, a casual labourer in Nyabugogo trading centre braved through a flooded water channel to rescue a 10-year-old child who was almost being washed away by the floods as hundreds of people watched with pity.
Similarly, in 2019, a story of a 23 year-old who single-handedly built road in his community in Karongi district for over two years, made national headline. He was just an ordinary young man who was bothered by how bad it was for people in his community to travel.
Several people go above and beyond to provide food, clothes, and other needs for the vulnerable, while others risk their lives to save strangers from danger.
Everyone in their respective communities, workplaces, families, and other walks of life can be heroes, and it doesn’t need one to be rich, well educated, or belonging to a certain religion or group.
There is enough room for everyone to be a hero, everywhere, every time. Just as one by one make a bundle, we can impact our society by doing minor heroic acts.