Rwandans living in the United States and Canada are finalising preparations for the Rwanda Day 2012 due tomorrow in Boston, Massachussetts, in the US. Under the theme; “Agaciro, The Journey Continues…” the two-day event, which will be graced by President Paul Kagame, will provide an opportunity for those living in different parts of the world to get updates on Rwanda’s progressive story.Rwandans and friends of Rwanda from North America, Europe and other parts of the world, are expected to attend in their thousands.Speaking to The New Times, yesterday, some who have confirmed attendance expressed excitement ahead of the event. Sam Mbanda, a Rwandan living in Texas, 2,000 miles away from Boston, said, “People are extremely excited about the event although it was announced on short notice; many are willing to find their way to Boston,” said Mbanda. Part of the activities slated for the event is Agaciro Development Fund (AgDF) fundraising drive. “AgDF is a great opportunity to contribute to the development of our country and there are many people here willing to contribute to this cause,” said Mbanda. Alice Umutoni a Senior Programmer living in Baltimore, Maryland, pointed out that the Fund “is a very impressive initiative, personally I can’t wait to see a road or a school built in Rwanda out of my money, this is one way to win respect from the International Community”. Umutoni said preparations were going on well and, so far, they are expecting over 2000 people from US alone. “Mobilisation teams have been working well. We have also prepared transportation means for all those who wish to attend the event,” she told The New Times.Antoine Bikamba, who lives in Portland, Maine, will also attend Rwanda Day. “People want to attend, hear from officials about their country’s development as well as get to meet with the President and socialise with him. It will also be a great opportunity to learn more about the Agaciro Fund and contribute to it,” said Bikamba. Among online comments posted on Facebook concerning the event, Pauline Mutumwinka, a Harvard Graduate said: “Rwanda has stumbled but managed to stand up...today we are doing such amazing things and gone through a rebirth.”During the Boston event, Prof. Shyaka Anastase, CEO Rwanda Governance Board, will make a presentation titled; “Ongoing Governance Reforms, Taking Bold Steps”According to Gallup Poll, Rwandans have the highest level of trust in their government. This is primarily due to high levels of accountability and governing reforms aimed at empowering the citizens, it says.The Minister of Finance, John Rwangombwa, will present; “Rwanda’s Socio-Economic Transformation.” The country has seen average economic growth of 8 per centover the last decade. This growth has come along with socio-economic transformation, with one million people lifting themselves out of poverty over the last 5 years Foreign Affairs Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo, will also be among the presenters on Friday and is expected to speak about “Rwanda Global Relations.” Saturday has been reserved for interactions, with President Kagame, the main speaker. This is the second time Rwanda Day is being held in the U.S. The first was held in Chicago, Illinois, last year.
