Every generation inherits a choice. Some generations are called to build while other generations are called to protect what has been built. My generation has inherited a Rwanda that has been fought for, liberated, and strengthened by those who came before us. It is now our responsibility to ensure that we are able to carry forward the Rwanda that has been handed to us. This is something I have been thinking about recently, especially since returning from Ingando, a civic education programme targeting the youth. More broadly, I have been thinking about what Rwanda is asking of its young people today. Recently, Rwanda has placed restrictions on matters concerning conduct and personal responsibility. Stronger action against alcohol and substance abuse, banning of vapes, and greater attention to public conduct can be viewed as separate developments, but together they communicate something greater: The way Rwandans live matters to Rwanda. That message is especially important for young Rwandans. Rwanda is a small country. We do not have large territory, vast resources, or an enormous population that can make up for wasted potential. What we lack in size we must make up for in quality, more specifically the quality of our people. Therefore, the development of our country becomes inseparable from the development of its people. This is where the idea of the complete citizen becomes important. You see, a complete citizen is not defined by their level of education or the profile of job they have, because those are only parts of a much larger picture. A complete citizen does what they can to develop their mind and body, understands their history, respects the people around them, and realizes that the freedom they have comes with responsibility. Most importantly, they should be able to learn how to govern themselves. Now, this is why there is much value in Rwanda’s efforts to establish standards. A critical component in developing the complete citizen. Again, the reason being that a society should be able to tell its young people that some behaviors are harmful and will not be tolerated, while others are constructive and need to be supported. So, expecting something from our young people is not a limitation; but an expression of confidence in what we are able to become. For example, the same energy that can become entrepreneurship, leadership, or service can just as easily be consumed by distraction and harmful habits if not properly harnessed. That mentioned, there must be an important distinction. The goal cannot simply be to create a population that behaves because they are afraid of punishment. If that is where the conversation ends, then a key opportunity has been missed. The deeper goal is to create citizens that are self-disciplined even when nobody is looking. That is why Rwanda’s response is not only to say “no” because there are countless existing initiatives for young people. Indeed, as a young person myself, we represent a truly blessed generation. We are guided among many, by the Inkotanyi spirit. The Inkotanyi spirit is often spoken of through the lens of Rwandan history, but the qualities associated with the spirit - discipline, courage, and service - cannot be confined to any generation. Every generation has to embody its own version of those qualities. Our generation is not being asked to fight any battles or liberate a country. We have inherited the results of the people who have already done that for us. Perhaps that is why our challenge is so easy to underestimate. Our parents and grandparents fought for Rwanda’s survival, but it is our duty to make that survival mean something. That means developing ourselves with the same skills and seriousness that defined the previous generations. That means understanding patriotism beyond an emotion. That means a willingness to become people capable of sustaining Rwanda’s current achievements. Rwanda is giving its young people an example. Through its institutions, its soldiers, its community programs, and the values it chooses to uphold. An example, however, only becomes meaningful when it is followed. The government can teach values and our heroes can uphold them, but ultimately it is up to us to decide whether we will live up to them. So when we see a new regulation, the question we ask cannot be “what is Rwanda stopping us from doing” but “what is Rwanda asking us to become?” The writer is a High School graduate from Green Hills Academy
