In daily life we experience changes, from bad to good or vice versa, because it’s what the world gives us. Though we pass through different ways of living, what we need is peace.

Many people became famous and popular because of what they did for their society. People like Martin Luther King Jr (who fought for civil rights in America) and famous Africans like Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Kenya’s Wangari Maathai, and Nelson Mandela in South Africa. What makes them famous is the heroic deeds for their nations.

On February 1 each year, Rwanda, remembers the heroes of the country.  Rwanda has three categories of heroes, Imanzi, Imena and Ingenzi. These categories have people like Gen. Fred Gisa Rwigema, Michel Rwagasana, Agathe Uwiringiyimana and students of Nyange Secondary School. There are also heroes of the pre-colonial and colonial period, like Rukara rwa Bishingwe, kings that expanded the country like Ruganzu II Ndoli and the heroine, Queen Mother Kanjogera.

Freedom fighters are brave and patriotic, these are the characteristics shown by heroes who make a positive impact on their nations and surrounding society.

To be a hero does not cost much. It just requires a heroic heart and fighting for human rights and peace. This should fill the heart of every youth to make our nation beautiful, peaceful, healthy, and wealthy.

Ninshuti is an aspiring writer and student at Nyagatare High School

The "Aspiring Journalists” initiative is a partnership between UNICEF and The New Times, encouraging young writers to develop and demonstrate their skills while spotlighting topics which are important to young people across Rwanda.