Youth Empowerment in Promoting Unity and Resilience: Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement Visits ULK Gisenyi Campus
On Wednesday, 20th November 2024, ULK Gisenyi Campus in Rubavu hosted Hon. Dr. Bizimana Jean Damascène, Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, for an impactful event focused on the role of Rwandan cultural values and taboos in fostering youth unity and resilience.
Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Hagumimana Frank, warmly welcomed the Honorable Minister and the esteemed Mayor of Rubavu District, Mr. Prosper Mulindwa, expressing gratitude for their presence and commitment to engaging with the youth.
In his opening remarks, Mayor Mulindwa encouraged students and ULK community members to actively participate in the day’s discussions, emphasizing the importance of the keynote address.
In his speech, Dr. BIZIMANA reflected on Rwanda’s history of division, particularly during the First and Second Republics. He discussed the ethnic quotas that deprived many Rwandans of educational opportunities and fostered hatred and division from an early age. Highlighting the impact of these policies, he stated: “Children grew up believing they were not the same, that while living in the same country, some were deemed ‘bad’ and others ‘victims.’ This dangerous ideology of hatred shaped the adults they became.”
Dr. BIZIMANA commended the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) for reclaiming the nation from exclusionary policies. He described the RPF as a movement born out of necessity by refugees who sought to end the injustices of displacement and ethnic discrimination.
The Minister also urged the youth to actively reject genocide ideology and denial, calling on them to leverage social media to share Rwanda’s achievements and promote unity. “Social media should be a tool for celebrating the successes of our nation and reinforcing the unity we have built together,” he emphasized.
In closing, Dr. BIZIMANA encouraged the youth to embrace their role as custodians of Rwanda’s future. “Our progress is a collective achievement that must be protected and preserved,” he said. “By upholding unity, resilience, and inclusivity, you can ensure that Rwanda remains a nation where all its people thrive.”
Through this event, ULK reaffirmed its commitment to fostering youth empowerment and resilience, ensuring that the values of unity and inclusivity remain central to the nation’s development.
