{"id":118985,"date":"2026-02-03T10:47:59","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T10:47:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/youth-volunteers-reflect-on-patriotism-at-heroes-mausoleum"},"modified":"2026-02-03T12:25:57","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T12:25:57","slug":"youth-volunteers-reflect-on-patriotism-at-heroes-mausoleum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/youth-volunteers-reflect-on-patriotism-at-heroes-mausoleum","title":{"rendered":"Youth Volunteers Reflect on Patriotism at Heroes Mausoleum"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Representatives of youth volunteers from the City of Kigali on February 2 visited the National Heroes Mausoleum in Remera to honour Rwanda\u2019s national heroes, before taking part in learning sessions aimed at deepening their understanding of the country\u2019s history, values and their civic responsibility.<\/p>\n

The 200 participants, representing fellow youth volunteers at sector and district levels in Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge, used the visit to reflect on the sacrifices that shaped modern Rwanda and to draw inspiration from the legacy of those who placed national interest above personal gain.<\/p>\n

Deo Nkusi, the executive secretary of the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour (CHENO) speaks to the visitors.<\/p>\n

Following the commemoration, the representatives were guided through sessions that traced Rwanda\u2019s history and highlighted how heroes emerged from ordinary citizens who chose courage and selflessness during periods of national threat. The discussions further emphasised the importance of upholding Rwandan values, including unity, patriotism and the preservation of cultural identity, notably the protection of Kinyarwanda.<\/p>\n

Alexia Uwitonze, the youth volunteer coordinator in Kigali, said the visit was intended to connect commemoration with practical lessons for daily life.<\/p>\n

The visitors used the visit to reflect on the sacrifices that shaped modern Rwanda and to draw inspiration from the legacy of those who placed national interest above personal gain.<\/p>\n

\u201cVisiting the Heroes Mausoleum is about learning history and drawing lessons that help us today and in the future,\u201d Uwitonze said. \u201cIt strengthens our love for the country and helps us understand the history that guides our daily lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

Uwitonze added that the symbolism encountered during the visit offered powerful insights for young people.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnowing where our country comes from is crucial for the youth, because without that knowledge, it becomes difficult to innovate or create new things to develop our nation,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Christian Ndizeye said the visit was an opportunity to reflect on their role as young people in the nation-building. \u201cSuch sessions are exceptional because they help us think about what we will leave behind in this world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey remind me of what I need to do as a young person to contribute to my country\u2019s development and to be disciplined and self-reliant, so that whenever my country needs me, I am ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also urged fellow youth to emulate the leadership demonstrated by national heroes. \u201cWe should celebrate our heroes by stepping into the exemplary leadership and deeds they left behind,\u201d he said, cautioning that some young people have taken unproductive directions that must be corrected before it is too late.<\/p>\n

Patrick Niyonkuru said the visit also served as a reminder of the discipline required to serve the nation responsibly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYouth should be encouraged to serve the country and avoid harmful behaviour, such as abuse of drugs and excessive alcohol,\u201d he said. \u201cOnce you destroy your health, your body can no longer do anything useful. To carry out meaningful activities that may even become heroic deeds, we must avoid such dangers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fridaus Akumuntu said: \u201cWhen we learn what our heroes did for Rwanda to reach where it is today, we realise that we too must follow in their footsteps and strive to become the heroes of tomorrow, starting today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Akumuntu noted that understanding history is a prerequisite for meaningful participation in national development. \u201cWe are the strength of the nation\u2019s future,\u201d she said. \u201cIf we do not understand the history first, where do we expect to go? It is up to us to carry Rwanda forward, including by using our social media wisely to explain where our country stands in different aspects.\u201d<\/p>\n

The representatives also linked heroism to everyday volunteering work carried out within communities, such as mobilising citizens to enroll in health insurance schemes and supporting vulnerable groups.<\/p>\n

Addressing the youth, Deo Nkusi, the executive secretary of the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour (CHENO), placed Rwanda\u2019s heroism within a long historical continuum.<\/p>\n

\u201cRwanda\u2019s heroes are part of a long history since the nation’s existence,\u201d he said. \u201cOften, there were young people who sacrificed themselves to save the nation, and today it is essential that the youth know the history of their ancestors and understand the responsibilities they carry today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nkusi commended the youth volunteers for demonstrating commitment to national service. \u201cTheir actions already show heroism through serving the country, the city and the community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He urged them to uphold cultural values as a safeguard for Rwanda\u2019s future. \u201cLaziness, violence, drug abuse and neglecting work must be avoided. Distractions and harmful behaviours that lead people into useless activities are not good for the family or the nation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is important for the youth to know what is beneficial and what is not, because these values are what protect and advance our country.\u201d<\/p>\n\r\n