As we take stock of the 29th liberation of Rwanda, a sense of fear and urgency grips my heart. That day, on July 4, 1994 which marked the end of the Genocide against the Tutsi and the beginning of a new chapter for our nation, holds immense significance for young Rwandans. We, the generation that experienced firsthand the liberation of our country, understand the sacrifices made by our parents and elders. We witnessed the transformation of our nation, the development of infrastructure, and the improvement in the lives of our fellow citizens. However, amidst the celebrations, I cannot ignore the concern I have for future generations. While browsing through social media, I came across a message from President Paul Kagame urging the young generation to carry the baton and safeguard the sacrifices and achievements of our liberation. Yet, as I contemplate the next thirty years, I cannot help but recall the sacrifices made by our parents and the values instilled in us during our childhood. Our parents, unaware of the future, dedicated themselves to the liberation struggle, leaving us with a profound love for our beautiful land. We are the ones who vividly remember their words: Rwanda is home. Rwanda is everything for us. Now, as we enter our forties and fifties, it is our children who hold the destiny of our nation. Thus, the responsibility to shape the future lies in the hands of our children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, current trends raise concerns. According to the Second Rwanda Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors Survey, alcohol consumption and obesity rates have increased. If we do not address these issues and make conscious choices as a society, our children may deviate from the path paved by the liberation of our country. The foundations of a nation are laid within families, and it is our duty as parents to prepare the next generation for Kwibohora 2050. When we listen to our liberation heroes, we realize that their parents raised them with a deep sense of patriotism, urging them to fight for Rwanda. Are we doing enough to prepare our children? Do we teach them about our past, speak in Kinyarwanda to them, and show them the beauty of our country? If we neglect these responsibilities, the sacrifices made by our people, both during the genocide and the liberation struggle, may lose their significance as time passes. The fall of our achievements will not happen abruptly. It will occur gradually, beginning with our failure to impart the meaning of the 4th of July to our children, to educate them about our history, and to involve them in Kwibuka events. It will happen when we fail to visit Rwanda with them and engage in community work. It will happen if we are careless in our duties and fail to demonstrate a commitment to excellence. However, I still have faith in this generation. I believe that we will rise to the occasion, upholding, sustaining, and expanding upon the achievements of our liberation heroes. We must be intentional in preparing our children for Kwibohora 2050. Let us take the time to talk to them, educate them about our past, and involve them in events that commemorate our history. By doing so, we can ensure that the sacrifices made by our predecessors hold weight and that the spirit of Kwibohora continues to guide our nation towards a brighter future. Parenting and Kwibohora are two interwoven threads that must be inseparable for the continued progress and prosperity of Rwanda. As we commemorate the 29th liberation anniversary, it is crucial to reflect on the values instilled by our parents and the responsibility we bear as parents ourselves. The liberation struggle was not merely a political movement; it was a fight for the soul of our nation. Our parents, driven by an unwavering love for Rwanda, dedicated their lives to securing a better future for us. They taught us the importance of unity, resilience, and patriotism. They instilled in us a deep sense of belonging and the understanding that Rwanda is not just a piece of land but our cherished home. Now, it is our turn to pass on these invaluable lessons to our children. We stand at a critical juncture where the sacrifices made by our predecessors could lose their significance if we fail to raise the next generation with the same level of commitment and understanding. We must ensure that our children are well-versed in our history, that they know the struggles endured and the triumphs achieved to bring us to where we are today. As parents, we must actively engage with our children, sharing stories of our past, teaching them about the importance of the liberation struggle, and fostering a deep appreciation for our culture and heritage. Our language, Kinyarwanda, is a vital part of our identity, and we should make a concerted effort to preserve and pass it on to our children. By speaking Kinyarwanda at home, we not only strengthen the bond within our families but also cultivate a strong connection to our roots. Furthermore, we must involve our children in Kwibuka events and activities. Kwibohora is not a mere date on the calendar; it represents the triumph of resilience, unity, and reconciliation over hatred and division. By actively participating in Kwibuka events, our children can witness firsthand the collective strength of our nation and understand the importance of safeguarding our hard-won freedom. Moreover, we must address the emerging challenges facing our society. The rise in alcohol consumption and obesity rates among the youth is alarming and threatens to divert our children from the path paved by the liberation struggle. We must promote healthy lifestyles, educate our children about the risks associated with these behaviors, and guide them towards making responsible choices. The foundations of a prosperous nation are laid within families, and it is our duty to cultivate an environment that fosters physical and mental well-being. To ensure a bright future for Rwanda, we must invest our time and energy in raising conscientious, patriotic, and responsible citizens. It is through intentional parenting that we can prepare our children to carry the torch of liberation and propel our nation forward. Let us seize the opportunity to engage with our children, teach them about our past, and involve them in activities that celebrate our history and honor the sacrifices made by our liberation heroes. As we celebrate the month of Kwibohora, we must recognize that parenting plays an integral role in shaping the future of our nation. Our children are the torchbearers of our liberation, and it is our duty to equip them with the knowledge, values, and love for Rwanda that will guide them towards a prosperous future. By nurturing their understanding of our history, language, and culture, we can ensure that the spirit of Kwibohora remains alive and vibrant in the hearts of future generations. Together, let us embrace the inseparable bond between parenting and Kwibohora to pave the way for a brighter and stronger Rwanda. Barbara Umuhoza is an entrepreneur based in Kigali.
