President Paul Kagame will be the guest of honour at the Rwanda Day, a Diaspora convention bringing together Rwandans living in the United States and Canada.

According to organisers of the two-day event to be held June 10-11, in Chicago, in addition to members of the Rwandan Diaspora, East Africans, and Friends of Rwanda from the various parts of the world have been invited.

In an interview with The New Times, Cathy Rwivanga, the event coordinator, said over 3, 000 participants are expected.

"The Rwanda Day website provides updates on the event, which is set to be spectacular.  Members of the Diaspora are very excited,” Rwivanga said.

"They are registering on line in large numbers. "They had an opportunity to vote for the Rwandan artists of their choice. Overall, preparations are indeed going extremely well,” she added

Rwivanga noted that most members of the Diaspora are organising themselves, through word of mouth, social networks, and of course, the Rwanda Day website.
 
The theme of the day will be "Agaciro: Our pride, Our Heritage, Our future” and according to Rwivanga, it is a "special theme” as the Rwandan Diaspora looks forward to be part of the development process.

"We are in control of shaping the direction of our country.  We have not allowed ourselves to be shaped by history or current events,

"We are celebrating our youth and their contributions, everyone has a chance to work hard and get ahead thus reaching their dreams.  On this day, we are saying, come join us, work with us, this is what we have to offer,” she stressed.

Among other things, the day will showcase the possibilities of doing business and investing in Rwanda by highlighting the progress the country has registered in the last 17 years.

"It will also be a unique opportunity for the Diaspora to discuss key matters of interest in the areas of education, land access, investment, and employment opportunities while connecting with the country’s 2020 vision.

"President Paul Kagame will be the guest of honour and will address those attending the event and there will be a Q&A session where Rwandans will be free to ask anything they wish.” Rwivanga added.

Local companies particularly banks and real estate companies were encouraged to showcase their products.

Rwandans who can afford to travel to the convention were encouraged to  do so and at the same time proceed to support the U-17 Junior Wasps who will be participating in the U-17 World Cup in Mexico in June.

Last year, President Kagame met over 2,500 members of Rwandan Diaspora in Europe. At the time, he briefed them about the progress the country has made and at the same time encouraged them to consider investing back home.

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