Rwandan youth have been called upon to embrace their role in nation-building as a genuine way to celebrate heroism and patriotism. The call was made by Jean-Damascène Bizimana, the Minister of Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), during the ‘Igitaramo Gisingiza Intwari z’Igihugu,’ a night dedicated to celebrating national heroes at Camp Kigali. You are the strength of our country. Your ability to innovate, your energy, and your knowledge must drive Rwanda’s development, he told the youth gathered for the night of celebration. Patriotism is not just about singing and dancing in praise of our heroes—it is about taking responsibility, being honest, working hard, doing good, and finding solutions for Africa, and Rwanda in particular, he added. Hundreds of young people attended the night of celebration alongside various government officials. Organized by the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders, and Decorations of Honour (CHENO), the celebration took place on January 31, ahead of the 31st National Heroes Day on February 1. ALSO READ: Celebrating heroism: Rwandan youth urged to uphold cultural values Bizimana also urged leaders, educators, and parents to instill core Rwandan values such as patriotism, unity, and heroism in the younger generation. “Our children must grow up understanding that without unity, they cannot achieve success. They should champion their own development and realize that nothing is more valuable than one’s own country. They must be raised with strong values and principles,” he emphasized. Reflecting on Rwanda’s tragic past, Bizimana recalled the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, which gave rise to many national heroes who fought for the country’s liberation and genocide. He stressed that embracing their values is crucial for national development. “For a country to develop, it is no longer about its size, natural resources, or geographical location. Rather, it is about the ability of its citizens to work, their mindset, their culture, and their capacity to work together in unity.” Bizimana said, urging everyone to uphold these values. ALSO READ: Rwanda's leading lights who exemplified heroism The Mayor of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva, who also attended the event, commended the youth for demonstrating values that contribute to development, especially during the month dedicated to honoring national heroes, which began on January 6. “Youth exhibited great values—they visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site to better understand the country’s history, assisted vulnerable people in need, and showcased innovative projects. We believe that, in partnership with the City of Kigali, these projects will yield positive results,” he noted. ALSO READ: A closer look at heroism before, during and after colonialism Rwanda is commemorating National Heroes Day for the thirty-first time, honoring heroes categorized into three groups: Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi. While the criteria for each group vary, all heroes share the common trait of demonstrating exceptional acts of heroism, with some even sacrificing their lives for the country. This year’s theme is Ubumwe n’Ubutwari bw’Abanyarwanda, Inkingi z’Iterambere,” which translates to Heroism and Unity for Rwanda’s Development. The day is observed annually on February 1.
