A few weeks ago, my dad wrote a tribute to Mzee Tito Rutaremara, a remarkable Rwandan leader. As a young person, I was curious about this man and his legacy, especially since I barely knew anything about Mzee Tito and was eager to learn more. Later that evening, over dinner, my dad took the time to explain in detail who this remarkable man is. In short, Mzee Tito embodies the spirit of strength and sacrifice that defines our nation. He represents a generation that faced unimaginable hardship and emerged with an unbreakable spirit. A generation that had to rebuild their nation all by themselves, surpassing all expectations and forging a nation from the ashes of tragedy. ALSO READ: If you offer your life to the nation, you will age well They are the ones who dared to hope even when all seemed hopeless, who fought tirelessly even when the battle seemed uphill, who held onto their nation even when the whole world turned their backs. They chose to aspire. They chose Rwanda. It is this legacy of unwavering dedication that inspired me recently when I was elected student president at Green Hills Academy. As I step into this new role, I feel a deep responsibility to serve my school and uphold the values that have guided our nation – the very values perfectly modelled by Mzee Tito. ALSO READ: What keeps Rutaremara awake at night: The other side of the veteran politician Green Hills Academy is more than just a school; it is a center of excellence, a place where young minds are nurtured and prepared to become the leaders of tomorrow. We, as students of Green Hills Academy, understand what it means to be able to attend such a prestigious school and understand the assignment that comes with getting to attend said school. Rwanda gave us our lovely school and all know that it is only right that we play a role in rebuilding Rwanda, in shaping a future that is worthy of the sacrifices made by those who came before us. ALSO READ: Mzee Tito on his 'greatest pleasure', Kagame, and his surprise 80th birthday bash Every generation has a promise to fulfill, and although every generation falls short in some way, we must strive to fulfill ours nonetheless. Mzee Tito's generation, and the generations that followed it, sacrificed immensely to build a better future for us. Now, it is our turn to carry the torch. We are a nation brimming with youthful energy waiting to be unleashed. But this potential is not a guarantee; it is a challenge. We must seize this moment with the same tenacity and dedication that defined Mzee Tito and his generation. Our generation has it much easier than the generation of Mzee Tito. We are blessed with social media, technology, great leadership, as well as a beautiful nation that is both peaceful and united. This being said, we must be the generation that transforms potential into prosperity once and for all. We must invest in both ourselves and our nation, cultivate our minds, and embrace values of integrity, compassion, and service. We must demand more from our leaders and ourselves, pushing beyond our comfort zones and accept nothing short of excellence from ourselves. Part of this means we, the youth, must maintain healthy lifestyles free from alcohol, drugs, and any form of substance. This means creating an environment where young people are empowered and encouraged to innovate, to lead, and to contribute to the betterment of our society. It means fostering a culture of inclusivity, where every young person feels valued, cared for, and has the opportunity to thrive. ALSO READ: Kagame graces Tito Rutaremara's 80th birthday As student president, I am committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, promoting academic excellence, and upholding every value that defines our school. I will strive to be a leader who inspires, motivates, values, includes, and empowers others. This is my promise, not just to Green Hills Academy, but to Rwanda. I will strive to be a worthy inheritor of the legacy of Mzee Tito and his generation. In my heart I am Mzee Tito and in fact I believe we are all Mzee Titos. We may not all be able to match Mzee Tito in age or wisdom, but we definitely can in spirit. We cannot, and will not, fall short of the promise that lies ahead or let down the ones who sacrificed everything for us to be able to thrive. We must transform Rwanda into a beacon of hope. Let us build a future as bright as the dreams of those who sacrificed everything to make it possible. As H.E. President Paul Kagame said, “We cannot afford to wait. We have a responsibility to deliver. Our people deserve nothing less.” For the love of Rwanda, we will not falter. For the love of Africa, we will rise. The writer is the current student president of Green Hills Academy.
