For the past few days, the word Twahisemo has been trending on various social media platforms that are popular among Rwandan users, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Users of these platforms have taken to posting pictures of placards with the word imprinted on it followed by choices that they figure will be their positive contributions to the country’s ambitions.

The social media campaign trending on the hashtag #Twahisemo, which loosely translates to "We have chosen,” is a build up to this year’s Rwanda Day later this week in Atlanta, Georgia, in the US.

The word also resonates with this year’s Rwanda Day theme, "Agaciro: Our Choice,” in celebration of the country’s 20 years of liberation.

The campaign was inspired by President Paul Kagame’s speech during the 20th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi on April 7, where he pointed out that what has led to the country’s continued progress was the choice of the Rwandan people.

(Listen to President Kagame's speech. Source: Paul Kagame TV)

He said the continued success that the country was enjoying was centred on the three choices Rwandans have made over the past twenty years - Staying Together, Being Accountable and Thinking Big.

"We could have been engulfed in a never-ending civil war with endless streams of refugees and our children sick and uneducated. But we did not end up like that. What prevented these alternative scenarios was the choices of the people of Rwanda,” the President told the audience at Amahoro Stadium on April 7, outlining the three choices.

Voicing patriotism

Organisers of Rwanda Day took it from there to build an online campaign that gives all citizens a chance to not only voice their patriotism but also point out choices they have made that will contribute to the country’s development.

The choices posted on the social media platforms are somewhat vows or pledges on what individuals and organisations will be involved in for nation building.

The platform has fast gained momentum with Rwandans from all walks of life posting their choices and priorities.

From politicians to artists and ordinary citizens, many have come out to post their personal and organisations’ choices and priorities.

Among the senior government officials who joined the campaign was Foreign Affairs minister Louise Mushikiwabo, whose placard read,"#Twahisemo: to redefine ourselves as a nation,” while Sports and Culture minister Joseph Habineza’s placard said he had chosen "Never say die.”

Others who have joined the campaign include local artists, and ordinary Rwandans engaged in different activities.

Organisers of Rwanda Day also saw the campaign fit to ensure that even those who may not have a chance to partake in Rwanda Day celebrations come September 19-20 feel involved in nation building and suggest ways to contribute toward continued progress.

Rwanda Day

This will be the sixth edition of Rwanda Day that aims at bringing together Rwandans and friends of Rwanda living abroad to discuss their role in nation building.

(Agaciro: Twahisemo | Agaciro: Our Choice. Source: Rwanda Day/YouTube)

The organisers say the event will be a celebration of 20 years of liberation and the progress the country has made, as well as a chance to discuss home grown solutions to existing challenges.

This year’s Rwanda Day will feature panel discussions mostly on youth employment opportunities as well as discussions on economic self reliance and dignity.

At the event, a job fair and an investment exhibition are scheduled to take place.

The fair will bring together Rwandans living abroad and employers in the country to network and begin the recruitment process.

It will seek to showcase Rwandan products as well as opportunities to invest in key sectors such as mining, tourism, tea and coffee, real estate, construction service, among others.

The first Rwanda Day was held in June 2011 in Chicago, US, while other events have since been held in London, Boston, Paris, Toronto and Chicago.

It is estimated that since the events launch more than 15,000 people have attended.

The events are also followed by Rwandans across the world through live streaming and telecasts.

More than 3,000 Rwandans and friends of Rwanda are expected to attend the sixth edition of Rwanda Day.

ABOUT RWANDA

Rwanda is located in East Africa and is often called the land of a thousand hills. It has a population of 11 million people and is well known for its rapid social development and economic growth that is broadening the horizon of opportunity for all.

It is also one of the most business and investment friendly destinations in the world.

Today, Rwandans are working together to achieve Vision 2020, a national development plan to become a middle income country by the year 2020.

After gaining its independence in 1962, Rwanda was characterised by widespread discrimination and politics based on division and exclusion.

It is this history that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. In the twenty years since, Rwandans have come together to rebuild the country around a shared national identity - ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ or ‘I am Rwandan’.

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editorial@newtimes.co.rw