NEWSLETTER

01 EDITION, OCTOBER 15, 2020

Welcome to the first issue of our newsletter highlighting our activities during the last semester. We Thank you for your Continued Readership!

“Ndi Umunyarwanda, the fundamental idea of our own being.”

Rwandans are committed to strengthening and protecting Rwandan identity

In the spirit of continued Unity and Reconciliation among Rwandans, and promotion of “Ndi Umunyarwanda”, Unity Club Intwararumuri in partnership with National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, conducts monthly conversations dubbed “Urubuga rwa Ndi Umunyarwanda” (Ndi Umunyarwanda Platform), on radio Rwanda tackling different topics that emphasize the essence of “Ndi Umunyarwanda”.

July 19, 2020: Conversation on the role of Ndi Umunyarwanda in our liberation journey

Fidèle NDAYISABA, The Executive Secretary of NURC

The dialogue showcased the role of Ndi Umunyarwanda in strengthening the Rwandan identity and values that contribute to building the Rwanda we want.  

Miss Jacqueline Muhawenimana, the representative of “Imboni z’imfura z’ikenyejana cya 21”, said that the youth too have played an active role in this journey through various platforms that engage them in dialogues which promotes peace and development.

Furthermore, Jean Claude Uwizeyimana, in his talks, spoke about his journey in exile during the aftermath of the Genocide against Tutsis in 1994. His family took refuge in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they were constantly reminded by those who had planned and implemented the genocide that should they choose to go back home, they would be killed. Read more

August 16, 2020: Conversation on “Ndi Umunyarwanda in strengthening our education system”

Dr. Valentine UWAMARIYA, the Minister of Education 

This conversation brought together participants including the Minister of Education Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Mr Antoine Mugesera, member of Rwanda elders’ advisory forum and Eric Kayiranga, the Assistant coordinator at the National Youth Council in Nyarugenge district on Radio Rwanda. The participants shared their views on the role of “Ndi Umunyarwanda” in building Rwanda’s education system and ensuring equal opportunities to education are given to all Rwandans.

The conversation highlighted progress registered to date that wouldn’t have been possible without the deliberate government policy to educate all without discrimination. Read more

After Genocide against Tutsi, Rwandan youth massively participated in various patriotic activities

Mr Serge GASORE, the guardian of covenant (Umurinzi w'Igihango)

27 September 2020, held a Conversation on Ndi Umunyarwanda and patriotism. This conversation took place on Radio Rwanda, and the main point was the impact of Ndi Umunyarwanda in patriotic activities.

Mr Alphonse BAKUSI, the leader in charge of promoting cultural values, patriotism and dedication at National Itorero Commission (NIC) talked about the influence of national Itorero in patriotic activities highlighting that national Itorero is a platform where Rwandans learn the history of their country and patriotism.

“The national Itorero is also a place where we draw Rwandan History and share it with Rwandans, teach and help people through various practices.” He said.

After Genocide committed against Tutsi, Rwandan youth massively participated in various patriotic activities. Gasore Serge is one of the youth who actively participated and even got rewarded as the guardian of covenant due to his big contribution in building Rwandan Society starting from Bugesera District where he was born. Read more

The meaning and background of Intwararumuri

Dr Monique NSANZABAGANWA, The First Vice Chairperson of Unity Club Intwararumuri

Unity Club organizes sessions on various topics with industry leaders and experts with the objective of building capacity and ensuring knowledge-transfer to unity club members. In line with that mandate, three (3) dialogue sessions were organized on 30th July, 2020 focusing on the genesis of Intwararumuri. Given the measures in place to control the spread of Covid-19 plague, all conversations were conducted virtually.

Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, the first vice Chairperson of Unity Club, explained the background and meaning of Intwararumuri by underlining these two words: Gutwara (Carry) and Urumuri (Light) that make up and define the word Intwararumuri (Light Bearers). Read more

The meaning of Intwararumuri

Hon. Protais MUSONI, a member of Unity Club Intwararumuri

Hon. Protais Musoni, centred on attributes of Intwararumuri (Light bearer person), explain the characteristics of Intwararumuri of unity club and their contribution in building the Rwanda we want.

Hon. Musoni said “Intwararumuri is a person who advocates for a certain cause, with clarity of the intention and benefit of that cause for the people. She/he is someone who is wholeheartedly committed to spearhead and become a catalyst in the transformation towards a specific cause. This is someone who leads by example, walks the talk and whose life is exemplary in every aspect of the society and journey of transformation. Furthermore, Intwararumuri is a person committed to mobilising and teaching others the essence of unity for Rwandans and the entire human being. They are role models in every way, one who has overcome stereotypes that limit the Unity of Rwandans including race/ ethnicity, origins, and foreign languages.”

Hindrances to Intwararumuri

Hon. Rosemary MBABAZI, the Minister of youth and culture   

Hon. Rosemary Mbabazi, the Minister of youth and culture, highlighted the challenges Intwararumuri can encounter such as corruption, partiality and nepotism that hinder Intwararumuri from achieving their collective goals, and most importantly said that those challenges hinder the development of the country. Moreover, Minister Rosemary shared insights on what should be done to prevent and tackle those challenges.

Hon. Mbabazi said “A good leader must not put his/her own interest before others, on the contrary; he/she should value and prioritise the benefits of citizens in general.”

She ended by a take home that “When you carry that light you are for a bigger call than yourself”.