A week-long countrywide Heroes campaign was launched on Friday in the buildup to the February 1 National Heroes Day, which will be observed under the theme, “Strive for heroism: build a better future.” Heroism is a theme that has come alive among Rwandans at home and abroad over the last two decades or so, largely inspired by the heroic actions of the gallant men and women that were courageous and selfless enough to take bold action to save the country from the grip of a fascist, genocidal machinery. Heroism is about taking courageous steps as a result of love for one’s country and compatriots. It’s about refusing to stand idly by when your country is dangerously going the wrong way and compatriots being perpetually abused by those who are supposed to protect them. It’s about the willingness to sacrifice your own happiness and comfort and pursue collective good, even when you are cognizant of the fact that you risk paying the ultimate price in the process. That’s what happened a quarter-century ago when a group of young but brave men and women decided that enough was enough and formed the RPF/A liberation movement, effectively launching the struggle to liberate Motherland having seen all other efforts to save the country–and restore its pride and dignity – come to naught! Today, the fruits of that liberation campaign speak for themselves. Rwanda is a resurgent country on a new trajectory – toward a solid national identity, inclusiveness, self-reliance and prosperity. But to consolidate and sustain the achievements we have since registered as a nation and people, there is need to promote and pass on to the next generation the same ideals that have continued to shape today’s Rwanda. One way to preserve these values is to consistently inculcate them among the young people of this nation, right from their formative years, and to give them all the support and guidance they need to uphold and promote these virtues. The youth should constantly be reminded that Rwanda is what it is today thanks to the sacrifices undertaken by their older countrymen and women and that it is their responsibility to build on that foundation and take the country forward. They need to recognise and cherish such ideals as bravery, unity, patriotism and hard work – which continue to define Rwanda as a modern nation-state.
