KIGALI - A Rwandan children dance troupe arrived yesterday from Tilburg, Holland where they represented Africa in Vil Del Mondo festival from where they clinched first position at the world dance festival that is held every May.

Rwamakondera secured the first position after a series of performances during the festival.

According to the group’s founder Collins Sekajugo, the dancers received several awards and certificaties after their incredible performance.

"This is a big breakthrough, not just for Ivuka (the parent group of the troupe), but also for Rwanda…we have worked a lot to place Rwandan art on the world map and these children seem to have achieved more than that,” said Sekajugo.

Sekajugo added that the children’s performance on a global platform brings pride to Rwanda that has not featured on such festivals previously.

"The children have had a chance to participate in cultural exchanges that have enlightened them to express them more. The exposure will definitely push them to desire more for themselves,” Sekajugo pointed out.

Paradais Winslet the group’s Programme Coordinator seconded Sekajugo’s remarks adding that the children performance was a celebration not just for Rwanda but Africa as well.

"The children went into the festival to represent the continent but specifically our culture .When these young kids perform holding our flag high it is something for us to be proud of,” Winslet remarked.

The children have been in Holland for the last 26 days where they participated in several dance performances across the country.

Via Del Mondo dance festival hosted dance groups from all over the world.

Rwamakondera team has been enrolled for other dance festivals to be held later this year.

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