SOUTHERN PROVINCE

HUYE — For the liberation struggle to carry meaning, Rwandans should change their mindset, the minister of Culture and Sports has said.

Joseph Habineza was on Monday addressing hundreds of students at the National University of Rwanda (NUR) during a public discussion.

The minister explained that many countries in the world had developed through developing the right attitude to work and embracing cultural aspects that emphasised development.

The discussion was part of activities to mark the Liberation Day that falls on July 4.

Habineza reminded students that liberation is a process. He said that it should not be seen as one day’s celebration but a continuous process aimed at bettering human standards of living.

Habineza dispelled beliefs that there has to pass a long period of time for a given country to develop.

"We have countries that have a short history of existence but are now economic powers. Australia is younger compared to Egypt but the disparity in development is unbridgeable,” said the youthful minister.

"Countries like Japan, Switzerland and the Asian tigers like Singapore developed the right attitude to development and theirs, is now a success story that is emulated by many,” added Habineza.

The Minister enumerated a number of principles that every Rwandan ought to follow if they are to develop.

"We need to develop the right work ethics, integrity, accountability and responsibility, respect of law and regulations and respect for the rights of others. These are key principles that ensure good citizenship,” said Habineza.

The minister called for ambition on the part of the youth, love for work and proper time management.

"These are principles that look ordinary but if applied from individual level, they will have greater impact on the life of a given country.” Students expressed their misgivings towards the demand for working experience from employers.

In response, Habineza said that experience is a requirement for some specialised employment. But he advised students to take advantage of industrial training sessions at the completion of their courses to gain the required experience.

The minister cautioned them against despising jobs by taking up work at whatever level so that they are able to grow in the ranks. Also present were the Rector Prof. Silas Lwakabamba and members of the teaching and non-teaching staff.

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