Rwanda a glowing example of resilience

Editor, I was delighted to read Liban Mugabo’s artice titled “Lessons from Rwanda” in yesterday’s issue of The New Times.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
An antiu2013corruption billboard in Kigali. The countryu2019s zero tolerance to corruption has transformed the countryu2019s fortunes. The NewTimes / File.

Editor, I was delighted to read Liban Mugabo’s artice titled "Lessons from Rwanda” in yesterday’s issue of The New Times.Any one who has closely followed the developments in the country over the last two decades would surely agree with the realistic and precise views expressed in the article. The right approach, of course, to an extremely severe and depressing situation after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, has enabled the country to reach the enviable position today.The enormous progress has prompted leading international organisations like the World Bank, United Nations and others to actually send in management teams to learn from Rwanda.Here in India, too, we have a lot to learn from this small but beautiful country nestled in the heart of the African continent. In fact, we shall soon launch a "Study Rwanda Programme” with the precise intention of enabling our youth and management students from India, to come and learn from Rwanda, on how the to emerge victorious against all odds.Concerned Government agencies like the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Workforce Development Authority (WDA) and others ably support the Rwanda Private Sector Federation (RPSF) to bring out the latent talent in individuals and organisations. RDB’s awards for excellence are one such initiative.It is also very encouraging to note that the country’s tourism activities support NGOs particularly L’esperance Children’s Village wherein all those who undertake the Thousand Hills Trail will have the option to stop over at this model village thereby supporting the good work being undertaken for the orphans.The country, under the able guidance and leadership of His Excellency President Paul Kagame will continue to be a role model not just for Africa but the world.Clarence Fernandes