KIGALI - President Paul Kagame on Friday evening said that strong, cohesive and healthy families form the basis on which the foundation of a strong nation is built, because families form the smallest but most effective unit of administration of a nation.

Speaking during the Executive Family Enrichment Dinner at Kigali Serena Hotel, Kagame said that all strong nations have thrived on stronger and organised families, but where there are loose family ties, it’s the reverse.

President Kagame and the First Lady Jeannette Kagame were the guests of honour at the dinner organised by Christian Life Assembly Church (CLA) in collaboration with the National Leaders Prayer Breakfast Committee.

Addressing the gathering of top government leaders, policy makers, legislators, business executives, and religious leaders, Kagame said that the theme of the dinner; "Stronger Families, Stronger Nation”, is relevant in emphasising the critical role played by strong families in nation-building.

"It is clear to see why strong families should result into thriving, strong and stable nations. In essence, the two entities share a lot in common, and a nation can actually be seen as one big family.

"This family can be functional or dysfunctional, based on whether it is nurtured and well led or whether it is neglected or exploited. People in a family are bound by kinship and loyalty to one another, and in the case of a nation, this bond is the common identity, a shared history as well as future and aspirations”.

The President added that both the family and nation depend on leadership to thrive, where leadership is not a monopoly of men or women, but common to both, because they are all capable of leadership.

He added that just like family members have responsibilities and duties to respect, citizens of a nation also have responsibilities to respect, using their strengths, abilities as well as resources for the benefit of their country.

"The families we grow up in heavily influence the values and habits that are displayed in the public arena,” Kagame said, adding that values such as fairness, tolerance, compassion, truth and perseverance which are much needed in nation-building can only be learnt at an early age in the family.

"Strong stable families do not just happen, they require attention, focus, hard work just like any other valuable thing,” Kagame said.

He blamed modernity for watering down family values, where families break apart, become loose or start wobbling because of modern trends, adding however, that modernity can only be a "lame excuse”. He pointed out that it was everyone’s responsibility to protect and restore lost family values that have been weakened.

"If we are not mindful, the fast paced life we live, driven by technology or other so called modern ways and trends, can erode traditional family values that groom people to become responsible citizens and selfless leaders,” he said

The President added that the government is committed to promoting family values as one of the key pillars of nation-building, saying it was the reason a ministry, specifically charged with that responsibility, was in place.

He said that the government is heavily investing in education, agriculture and health because the above are key to building stronger and healthier families.
Guest speakers Dr Paul Wangai Jr and Dr Mary Wangai from Kenya spoke, about the importance of maintaining strong and stable families and strengthening healthy family relationships that are critical for nation building.

Pastor Elmer Komant of CLA pledged his organisation’s commitment in nation building by supporting the education and health sectors..

He said that the Nyarutarama based church was building a primary and secondary school that will provide quality education as well as health centres. The church organizes annual retreats for married couples and other family cantered programs for women, youth, young adults and kids during holidays.

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