Peace and Love Proclaimers, a youth organization dedicated to fostering unity, peace, and development, triumphantly held an annual event, Ku Gicaniro, meaning Bonfire, on Sunday, May 28. The event, held under the theme: Building Resilience and Overcoming the Aftermath of the Genocide against Tutsi, proved to be a night of enlightening panel discussions, engaging audience interactions, and captivAating art performances. The ambiance was filled with powerful songs that revolved around the theme of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Talented youth took the stage, delivering heartfelt performances through music, poetry, contemporary dance, and theater, all paying homage to the indomitable spirit of the Rwandan people. ALSO READ: 15 years of proclaiming Peace and Love The event garnered significant attention, with notable figures in attendance. Among them were the Minister of Youth, the Mayor of Kigali City, the Ambassador of Rwanda to Indonesia, and diplomatic representatives from Israel, European Union, and Sweden. The diverse gathering aimed to foster an inter-generational dialogue, bringing together leaders, parents, and young people to reflect on Rwanda's history and discuss ways to build a resilient nation. During his remarks, Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, the Minister of Youth, highlighted the importance of promoting education on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. ALSO READ: ‘Our Past’ founder on the role of youth in nation-building The ministry plans to engage partners and initiate book review nights, creating opportunities for high school and college students to delve deeper into this critical topic. Utumatwishima suggested turning these sessions into competitions, recognizing and awarding students who excel in their understanding of Rwanda's history. ALSO READ: Kwibuka 29: Youth leaders call for fight against genocide ideology Furthermore, he urged the youth to embrace patriotism and consider joining the armed forces to contribute to strengthening the country's security. He emphasized the significance of education, urging students to pursue rare areas of study such as nuclear sciences, physics, international law, engineering, and more. Utumatwishima also encouraged young people to leverage technology as a tool to combat misinformation about Rwanda and utilize media platforms to improve society. In a testament to the strong bond between Rwanda and Israel, Ambassador Ron Adam expressed his admiration for the resilience and problem-solving capabilities shared by both nations. He reaffirmed Israel's commitment to supporting the enduring values of resilience, passing them down from generation to generation. Ambassador Adam acknowledged Rwanda as a startup nation and encouraged the youth to come together, brainstorm, and provide innovative solutions to address persisting challenges. Pudence Rubingisa, the Mayor of Kigali City, extended his gratitude to Peace and Love Proclaimers for organizing the annual bonfire event. He commended the organization for addressing the questions that occupy the minds of young people and instilling in them a sense of purpose. Rubingisa reminded the youth of their fortunate circumstances, being born in a nation with a clear vision for development. He urged them to seize the abundant resources available, including books, experts, and survivors willing to share knowledge about the atrocities of the Genocide. ALSO READ: Youth must choose to be peace ambassadors, says PLP’s Shema He encouraged students to actively participate in school clubs that foster critical thinking and reflect on the nation's past. The Ku Gicaniro event organized by Peace and Love Proclaimers served as a platform for inspiration, unity, and reflection. By embracing their history and fostering resilience, the youth of Rwanda are empowered to become agents of positive change, contributing to the nation's growth and development.
