{"id":59392,"date":"2023-11-30T11:36:08","date_gmt":"2023-11-30T11:36:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/minister-utumatwishima-urges-rwandan-youth-in-us-canada-to-prioritise-unity"},"modified":"2023-11-30T12:18:02","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T12:18:02","slug":"minister-utumatwishima-urges-rwandan-youth-in-us-canada-to-prioritise-unity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/minister-utumatwishima-urges-rwandan-youth-in-us-canada-to-prioritise-unity","title":{"rendered":"Minister Utumatwishima urges Rwandan youth in US, Canada to prioritise unity"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Dr Abdallah Utumatwishima, the Minister of Youth, has urged young Rwandans in the US and Canada to value Ndi Umunyarwanda – a programme initiated to build a national identity based on trust and dignity.<\/p>\n

He was speaking during the just concluded Rwanda Youth Convention held at the Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau, Canada. The event was organised by the International Rwanda Youth for Development (IRYD) in partnership with Rwandan communities of the USA and Canada and the Government of Rwanda and provided a platform for thoughtful discussions and insights into the vital role of Rwandan youth abroad in contributing to the development of their homeland.<\/p>\n

Discussions included the role of Rwandan youth abroad in development, the Rwandan identity today (Ndi Umunyarwanda), mental health, demystifying entertainment and sports, and business among others.<\/p>\n

Utumatwishima emphasised why prioritising their country in their endeavours is crucial: \u201cBeyond all else on Earth, nothing bestows greater value than one’s own country.\u201d<\/p>\n

He elaborated on Africa’s developmental lag and highlighted how developed nations often make decisions for the continent, given its limited influence to assert its preferences.<\/p>\n

The event was organized by the International Rwanda Youth for Development<\/p>\n

He cited instances where developed nations like the US and Canada prioritised unity for development, underscoring how Rwandans similarly chose unity to construct the Rwanda they aspire to build.<\/p>\n

Moses Gashirabake, co-founder of International Rwanda Youth for Development (IRYD), expressed gratitude for the leadership of the Government of Rwanda and its dedicated efforts to cater to the needs of the younger generation.<\/p>\n

He underscored the pressing importance for young people to actively contribute to shaping the Rwandan identity by embracing the concept of Ndi Umunyarwanda.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are not Tutsi, we are not Hutu, we are Rwandans,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n

High Commissioner of Rwanda in Canada, Prosper Higiro, stated that \u201cthe future of Rwanda lies in the hands of the youth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Back in 1994, Higiro personally had the privilege to be part of the post-Genocide cabinet.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe government started building the foundation of the Rwanda we have today. By that time many in leadership were as young as many of you. The only exception is that we didn\u2019t have as many resources or as much expertise as you have today,\u201d he told the youth.<\/p>\n

Rwandan Amb to US Mathilde Mukantabana stressed how it has positively impacted the younger generation.<\/p>\n

The High Commissioner added that the country has achieved a lot but still has more to do, calling for young people in the diaspora to participate in the country\u2019s development process.<\/p>\n

Ambassador of Rwanda to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, highlighted Rwanda\u2019s remarkable transformation, emphasising how it has positively impacted the younger generation.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday you have the support of your country! Look at what our youth, what our diaspora has done for our country; they became the best ambassadors anyone can wish for,\u201d she noted, emphasising how Rwanda\u2019s strong leadership has built a positive reputation, benefiting even the diaspora.<\/p>\n

Hon. Sophie Chatel, a member of the Canadian Parliament representing the Federal Government of Canada, at the event, praised Rwanda\u2019s \u201cmiraculous transformation\u201d from the tragic events of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou (Rwandans) have risen to become the beacon of hope and progress on the whole African continent. Rwanda\u2019s story is the story of unity, resilience, and imagination that inspired the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Discussions included the Role of Rwandan Youth abroad in development<\/p>\n

Abdallah Utumatwishima, Rwanda\u2019s Minister of Youth, has urged Rwandan youth in USA, Canada to value Ndi Umunyarwanda<\/p>\n\r\n