Six hundred youth are expected to take part in Kwibohora20, conversations in Musanze, Huye and Rwamagana districts this week.

The conversations were organised by the Imbuto Foundation and the Ministry of Youth and ICT to run from June 26 -28-under the theme ‘Kwibohora20: Twahisemo’ or ‘Kwibohora20: We chose’. 

The theme reflects the three choices Rwandans made after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi: to stay together, to be accountable and to think big. 

Kwibohora is the Kinyarwanda word for liberation. 

This year marks 20 years of liberation by reflecting on the past, looking ahead with hope, optimism and a renewed commitment to a future where ‘Together, we prosper’.

The conservations serve to help participants better understand the essence of the NdiUmunyarwanda (I am Rwandan) process and to encourage them to join the national development journey, by creating or enhancing projects that benefit their communities. 

On day one, yesterday, participants had the chance to get to know each other, participate in team building activities and join a conversation about NdiUmunyarwanda. 

The session covered the core principles of the NdiUmunyarwanda and the role of the ambassadors in it. 

The second day is all about ‘Thinking Big’. 

Today’s session will involve an inspirational session that includes guest speakers discussing each ones’ responsibility to develop the country.

Participants will also have the chance to brainstorm the type of activities they want to undertake in their communities, according to organisers.

"This will be followed by sessions on ‘Being Accountable’ where attendees will undergo project management and planning training and receive step by step guidance on how to develop and implement the plan for their selected community project,” a statement said.

"Accountability is about responsibility and the obligation the youth have to their peers as well as to their country. As they select a project, the idea of accountability will help them to choose a realistic yet impactful project to implement. The day will conclude with a discussion on the important role young Rwandans play in national development.”

On the final day of the conversations, Saturday, participants at each site will participate in a local community work (Umuganda) as part of the Kwibohora20 Global Umuganda taking place around Rwanda and across the world.

The Imbuto Foundation, Ministry of Youth and ICT and their partners have run over 60 sessions with young Rwandans countrywide. The sessions have brought together a diverse range of young people, NdiUmunyarwanda ambassadors [UrunanaRw’Urugano] and friends of Rwanda to discuss values, Kwibuka20 and financial fitness amongst other topics.