A new year always brings about one change or the other. It could be the start of a new level of education, change of school or change of class, among other things. With this change always come new people.

Even if your environment does not change, some of the students at your school may change. People always change. The change could be physical or it could be intellectual. It is what makes humanity beautiful and yet complex.

It is always hard to come to terms with the complexity of humanity and all the attributes that come with it. Nonetheless, tolerance for the differences you might identify between you and your schoolmates, teachers or people in general should be your motto, theme and wake-up song all at once.

As John Hume, an Irish politician, once said, "Difference is the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity.”

If not for the sake of preserving peace, aim to be tolerant in order to abide with Rwanda’s rule of law. Article 11 of the national constitution states: "Rwandans are born and remain free and equal in rights and duties.”

Article 11 further states that discrimination of whatever kind based on, inter alia (among other things), ethnic origin, tribe, clan, colour, sex, region, social origin, religion or faith, opinion, economic status, culture, language, social status, physical or mental disability or any other form of discrimination is prohibited and punishable by Law.  

But while you seek to keep peace and to be a law abiding citizen, don’t forget that the constitution is meant to protect you as well. Do not let anyone exclude you from an activity that you are rightfully supposed to participate in because you are different.

Your difference, be it a disability or your religion or status, does not make you less important than anyone. There is a saying which goes: "A razorblade is sharp but it can’t cut a tree. The axe is sharp too, but it can’t cut hair.” Therefore, everyone matters. Everyone including you.