Youth have vowed to build on what the country’s heroes, especially those that stopped the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, did to take the country further.

They made the pledge on Friday during a march in Kigali, at the launch weeklong activities that will precede the Heroes Day celebrations slated for February 1.

Naomi Rutagengwa, 19, a Senior Five student at OTEC Technical Secondary School in Gisozi, said she was not yet born when Fred Gisa Rwigema died but following the accounts from people, she has come to draw a lot of inspiration from him and what he did for the country.

As he participated in the march that started from Kimihurura Roundabout to the Amahoro National Stadium, François Turatsinze, a student at Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC) Kigali, said he had turned up to show solidarity with the heroes who shed blood to ensure Rwandans enjoy their country.

"As youth, we have to wage a war against poverty and we must give it our best in memory of our heroes,” he said.

Speaking at the stadium after the march, the Minister for Sports and Culture, Joseph Habineza, said Rwandans, especially the youth, should work had to make the country self-reliant.

"Rwanda has emerged from the ashes of the 1994 Genocide to register tremendous development in just 20 years, he said.

"The country finances its budget by 60 per cent, while the country used to fully rely on foreign aid before then. With commitment, diligence and bravery in what we all do, no doubt Rwanda will be self-reliant in no time,” Habineza added.

Deo Nkusi, executive secretary of Chancellery for Heroes, National Order and Decoration Honour (Cheno), said currently, they have a list of 200 people who have been shortlisted for national honour in different categories and they are still being assessed.

He said these were drawn from different parts of the country and did different acts that are beneficial to the Rwandan society.

There are three categories of honour; Imanzi, Imena and Ingezi.

Imanzi Heroes’ medal is the most supreme decoration any one can get and this is not awarded to anyone until they die.

The Heroes’ celebration week will run up to Saturday January 31, with a concert to pay tribute to the heroes which will take place at Petit Stade Remera.

During the week, public talk-shows about heroism will be held in different institutions, including schools and prisons.

On February 1, government officials will lay wreaths at the Heroes Mausoleum in Remera, while celebrations will be held at the village level across the country.

The theme for this year’s celebration is "Ubutwari bw’Abanyarwanda, Agaciro Kacu,” which loosely translates to ‘Rwandans’ Heroism, our Dignity.’

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