EASTERN PROVINCE

NGOMA — Rwandan youths have been called upon to uphold the country’s culture in order to maintain their cultural identity.

They were also told to act responsibly as the country’s future leaders.

Christine Umubyeyi, an official from Rwanda Human Rights Commission, made the call last week during the Ngoma district Youth Day celebrations.

The celebrations were held at Cyasemakamba stadium in Kibungo-under the theme "The African Youth Upgrades the African Positive Value.

The day is celebrated annually on November 1.

Umubyeyi urged the youth to act as engines in safeguarding the Rwandan culture and Africa in general.

"Rwanda should retain its cultural identity and Africa should retain its cultural identity. But this can partly be achieved when you, the youth are engaged in the fight for it,” Umubyeyi said.

Cautioning the youth against doing things which destroy Rwandan traditions, she told them to love their culture and their country.

Umubyeyi further told the youth that they have a right to education, to live, to nationality and to information among other things.

"You are the future leaders of Rwanda and if you go off track, this country’s future is in danger,” she said, urging them to take part in government developmental activities such as communal work commonly known as Umuganda.

Songs performed by various local Artists such as Tom Close and the Cyoga style King Rafiki highlighted the celebrations.

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