For a long time, people have debated whether heroes are born or made. Some believe that anyone can be a hero if they follow the right path, while others argue that genetic predispositions and environmental influences contribute to the making of a hero. Either way, we all aspire to be heroes and raise our children to be heroes in their lifetimes. The history of the liberation of our country is one of heroism, patriotism, and selflessness. Although the journey continues, it is essential to think of ways to transmit the resilience born of this complex history and the related spirit to our children and younger generations, as it will fall upon them to carry on this legacy. This 30th anniversary of the liberation (#Kwibohora30) of Rwanda is special to me because this year my eldest child is turning 11 years old. It's the same age I was in 1994 when my parents were killed in the Genocide against the Tutsi. Needless to say, my life has never been the same since then. But against all odds, here I am, resilient and raising my children. All I wish is to see them embody this spirit of resilience and the values of patriotism and heroism, growing into engaged and good citizens. As parents, this will be our biggest legacy to leave to our children and to the country as a whole. In my book “Transmitting Memories in Rwanda: From a Survivor Parent to the Next Generation,” which I co-authored with Caroline Williamson Sinalo, I explore the metaphor of putting on your own oxygen mask first before assisting others, a safety measure used on airplanes. I believe that the same metaphor can be applied to transmitting resilience, hope, heroism, and patriotism to our children. As parents and elders, we need to draw inspiration from our history and embody the liberation spirit in our daily activities. Our children look to us as their first heroes, and it is through our actions and values that they learn most. By modeling heroic behaviors, demonstrating courage, empathy, integrity, and selflessness, we set the foundation for them to develop these qualities. As we walk through this liberation journey, we must recognise that parenting is fundamental to the development of a renewed Rwanda as it shapes the next generations. Among other parenting principles, we have to instill positive values in our children, promote empathy, integrity, and honesty, and cultivate leadership skills in hopes that these children will grow up to become adults who actively participate and give back to their communities, support each other, and uphold the nation’s values. We cannot overlook the role of intentional parenting in rebuilding our country. And as the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and indeed, everyone has their role to play. I believe that there is a real need to create enabling spaces of exchange and dialogue about parenting and collectively contributing to raising children who will most likely become leaders and innovators who will drive progress and foster unity, ensuring the continued development and prosperity of our country. To achieve this, we must integrate our rich cultural heritage into our parenting practices. Storytelling, a revered tradition in Rwanda, serves as a powerful tool to impart lessons of bravery, sacrifice, and communal responsibility. By sharing tales of our ancestors and liberators' heroics and the struggles they overcame, we provide our children with role models and a sense of belonging. These stories are not just about the past but serve as a blueprint for future actions, inspiring young minds to pursue greatness with a sense of purpose and duty. Furthermore, education systems need to complement these efforts by embedding the values of heroism and patriotism within their curricula. Schools should go beyond academics to include lessons on national history, civic responsibility, and the importance of unity and reconciliation. Educational programs that engage students in community service and national building activities can foster a deep connection to their heritage and a commitment to the country's ongoing development. By working in tandem with parents, educators can ensure that the spirit of Kwibohora is not just remembered but actively lived by the next generation. By combining the influence of family, cultural traditions, and educational institutions, we can create a comprehensive approach to raising a generation that embodies the essence of Rwanda’s liberation journey. This holistic method will help children understand the value of their heritage and the responsibilities that come with it, encouraging them to become active participants in the nation's progress. As we celebrate Kwibohora30, let us reaffirm our commitment to transmitting hope, heroism, and a patriotic spirit to our children, ensuring that they are well-prepared to lead Rwanda into a prosperous future. The author is a published author and an advocate for intentional parenting. He is the founder of Umurage Parenting Centre.
