Ishuri, an art exhibition that aims to inspire young people about the transformative power of education and encourage them to dream big, kicked off on October 30, at Ingabo Corner, Kiyovu. Created by King Ngabo, artist, entrepreneur and founder of Ingabo Corner, the exhibition also recognises and honours Imbuto Foundation and the First Lady Jeannette Kagame’s ongoing contributions to the local education sector. It also recognises and commemorates the late Dr Paul Farmer for his outstanding contribution to Rwanda. It was also established to remind young people that hard work and discipline can make their dreams come true. The exhibition encompasses 14 artworks that illustrate a story of a young woman named “Umwari w’u Rwanda” who was born and raised in a poor household in the countryside. Her entire community had problems that include poverty, lack of education as well as health issues such as malnutrition and malaria that negatively impacted their lives. Umwari w'u Rwanda's observations compelled her to realise that her community lacked resources to address the issues, even if the government had established hospitals, schools, roads, electricity grids, among other infrastructures. She aspired to become a person who could advocate for her community in the healthcare sector. Pondering how she could do that, Umwari w'u Rwanda discovered that Ishuri (school) was the only tool that could help her achieve her goals. She studied tirelessly, dreaming of becoming a medical professional. When she finished primary school, her parents got worried since they couldn't easily afford to get her secondary school means. While in dilemma, Imbuto Foundation, whose mission is to support the development of a healthy, educated and prosperous society, came to their rescue. Umwari w’u Rwanda learned about the cause through reading newspapers, and the organisation assisted her in fulfilling her dreams. She studied diligently, completed high school and was inspired by the late Dr Paul Farmer, Co-founder of Partners in Health and University of Global Health and Equity (UGHE), and received a scholarship to the university. She is now a medical professional who is assisting her community to improve its healthcare sector. The artworks are painted on canvas of acrylic on size 100cm*85 cm. According to King Ngabo, the story reflects the lives of different people in Rwanda as well as Africa that were changed because of education. Ishuri is a story of every child in Africa who dreamt to achieve something big and achieved it,” he said. Inspired by research he made where he asked young children what they wanted to become when they grow up and finding out that most were dreaming small, the story is Ngabo's contribution in showing young people that they can dream big. I plan to have this story tour different areas of the country. I want it to be known by the world so that children can taste its message and be inspired to dream big, he said, adding that he is looking for support to help him achieve that. Ishuri was recently recognised and commended by Imbuto Foundation which Ngabo said boosted his courage. The exhibition will run at Ingabo Corner for 14 days, until November 13. Ngabo said he is set for another art exhibition “Rwanda I Know” in December.
