FÉLICITÉ Rwemalika, the head of the Association of Kigali Women in Sports (AKWOS) has said that building lasting peace has to start with the youth and sports are a good tool to achieve the target. The former Rwanda Football Association’s head of women’s football said this during an exclusive interview with Saturday Sport yesterday. Akwos, in partnership with Kvinna Till Kvinna, have been conducting visits to schools in Western and Northern provinces over the last two weeks with the main objective of teaching unity, self-esteem and nurturing leaders through sports. According to Grace Nyinawumuntu, the events coordinator, last time was time for Rubavu, while this week a number of schools in Musanze were visited including; ESTB Busogo, GS Rushubi, GS Kabara, GS Muko and CS Nyamagumba. Rubavu-based schools which were visited last week are; GS Rubinstein, GS Gacuba II/A, GS Shwemu, GS Kanama Catholic and GS Nyakiriba. “We want our girls and boys to learn how they can build peace among themselves, and with others, and would shape them into change agents through sports. Rwanda’s population is very young, which means that everything that targets our youth can build or destroy the country. “We, as Akwos, want to be on the good side of history as an organisation that contributed toward in shaping the future of our country,” said Rwemalika. The peace building events are conducted through sports competitions, dialogues, storytelling and other creative activities such as poetry, traditions dances and arts. The sporting disciplines include; football, volleyball and basketball. The second Vice President of Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC) also noted that besides teaching young girls and boys the indispensible values of having and growing a peaceful society, the youngsters are taught the power of sport and leadership skills. Emphasis on girls During the visit to Musanze on Wednesday this week, two promising volleyball players, namely Alice Niyigena and Aline Niyigana – both liberos – were identified and promised of all possible support in their academics and volleyball endeavours. The objective is to raise confidence of young girls in public speaking, innovation and to inspire them to become active participation in daily activities without fear or intimidation from their male counterparts. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
