RPF’s Gasamagera tasks diaspora youth to actively contribute in Rwanda’s development

Wellars Gasamagera, Secretary General of RPF-Inkotanyi, has urged Rwandan youth living abroad to play an active role in Rwanda’s development journey, according to their different capacities. He was speaking during an interactive session he had with 65 diaspora youth drawn from 15 countries. They are in the country as part of the 3rd edition of Rwanda Youth Tour, on July 16, at the RPF Secretariat, Rusororo Sector, Gasabo District. ALSO READ: Diaspora youth eager to learn about homeland, spur Rwanda's development During the session, Gasamagera explained to the youth about the origin and mission of RPF-Inkotanyi in the liberation struggle and the effort in rebuilding the country in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He also explained the structural organization of the party and its people-centered approach to governance which has informed Rwanda's development vision over the past 29 years. “What has sustained RPF-Inkotanyi thus far is the discipline and resilience that characterize its members, consistency in driving democracy, and strict adherence to the party's core values,” he said. “Our approach to governance is not the winner takes all but the winner shares, that’s our way of democracy. Consensus in key.” Given the country’s history and continued strides in development, the youth asked him different questions pertaining to the government’s strategies put in place to drive transformation across sectors like education, health, ICT, among others. ALSO READ: Diaspora youth urged to unite, think big Gasamagera emphasized that from outside observation one can say that there has been fast development, which is indeed true, but to Rwandans the journey is still long and more speed is needed to achieve goals as highlighted in the vision 2050. “The absence of peace is what constraints a country from developing, however, this is the first time that Rwanda has spent 10 years without conflicts. This explains the pace at which we are in terms of development.” He pointed out a few things that has shaped the current transformation like in the field of technology where Rwanda continues to launch its own satellites to help in ICT advancements, promoting universal healthcare through community based health insurance ‘Mituelle de Sante’, and free access to primary education across the country. ALSO READ: Youth Minister tips diaspora youth on patriotism, investment opportunities He, therefore, implored them to be active agents of Rwanda’s transformation in everything they do and use their skills in their different areas of expertise, urging them to be good ambassadors of their country in the respective countries where they live. “I invite you to identify areas of interest in which you can contribute based on your different capacities. We have so many issues which can be an opportunity for you to be relevant in the country’s development journey.” Presenting facts in fight against Genocide denial The youth were also engaged in a panel discussion that aimed at understanding and exploring their role in fighting against Genocide ideology and denial as seen in its different forms. Olivier Oleg Karambizi, Genocide Denial Prevention Analyst, explained to them the multifaceted forms of denial and how to identify them, while also highlighting the need to be equipped with facts in the fight. “They have different types of arguments they use but they cannot win over facts of our history. It is imperative to know and understand the tools available so that you can stand strong against such deniers spread all over the world.” Christian Ntwali, the founder of Our Past Initiative, a youth-led organisation also told them how they can use available platforms and opportunities to protect their country’s history and take part in its development, drawing examples from what the organization has been able to achieve over the past years of positive impact in communities across the country.

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RPF’s Gasamagera tasks diaspora youth to actively contribute in Rwanda’s development