Dr. Abdallah Utumatwishima, the Minister of Youth, on Friday, July 28, urged Rwanda's diaspora youth to embrace unity and collaborate in building a strong and resilient community.
Utumatwishima made the call during a workshop that brought together around 140 youths from three countries. The camp was organised with the aim of deepening their understanding of Rwandan heritage and history.
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He said: "As you grow up, always remember that unity is the key to everything. Moving forward, we strongly encourage everybody to work together in building a strong community."
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He emphasized that the country&039;s vision focused on becoming bigger on the level of what Rwanda can offer to the world, arguing that achieving this ambitious goal requires collaborative efforts from Rwandans and friends of Rwanda.
"Those who wish to return home after completing your schools, I would like to encourage you; we have programs and opportunities that can help you serve the country,” he said.
He also urged parents to continue teaching their children the country's history, culture, and especially their language, Kinyarwanda.
Beatrice Ntashamaje, a parents' representative, emphasized that the camp was well-organised and highly productive. She commended the government for such an initiative.
Ntashamaje said that the children learned alot about their motherland.
"We decided to teach them their language and let them know about their homeland. Even when they are abroad and granted citizenship, we encourage them to recognize that the country they reside in is not their motherland. We instill in them a strong sense of identity as Rwandans.”
Gaparay Dylan Ntabana, an 18-year-old who lives in England, said they learned a lot and vowed keep on learning as well as practicing what they learned including things such as traditional dances, and making ttheir country known for its many good or positive things, among other measures.