Focus: The birth of “New Rwanda” with Sondra Myers

In 2008 an educators meeting brought Sondra Myers to Rwanda where she and others bore the dream of developing and engaging citizens in a National conversation that would lead to the development of a handbook that would encourage dialogue nationwide. The National conversation generally implied initiating a process through which citizens in their own communities would form discussions regarding public issues, values and policies. The conversation was in November the same year launched in a form of a handbook titled ‘New Rwanda’. According to Myers, people in non-democratic societies do not have a public dimension to their lives. “In building a democratic society, informed and engaged citizens are every bit as important as a good constitution and honest election. The citizens are the democracy.” Myers notes that running a nation is not a charismatic leader’s job alone; ‘it is our job, one that we play out in the every day actions of people like us enjoying our rights as individuals and assuming the responsibilities of citizenship’. In such a time like this we the people look not to our government for ideas and solutions to problems but we sit and ask each other now that we are here what can we do this is our responsibility as citizens. The Sunday Times caught up with Myers and below are excerpts: Q: We know this is your first country specific project. So, why Rwanda? Myers: After being introduced to Rwanda through friends and colleagues from the OTF Group I was persuaded that Rwanda was a progressive, forward looking country, full of positive energy, that would be open to developing in civic ways as well as economically. Q: Why would the Handbook work for Rwanda? Myers: I believe that the handbook will work in Rwanda--in developing a greater sense of civic responsibility-- because there is already a civic spirit on which to build and a leader that encourages civic participation. President Kagame has endorsed the handbook by writing a letter of support for it and Minister Theoneste Mutsindashyaka joined me in November in launching the National Conversation on Prosperity and the Public Good. Q: Is its success a sure deal? Myers: My first two handbooks that are used in other countries have not failed; they are translated into about 20 languages and seem to resonate with people in every part of the globe. I have countless email messages that confirm that; however, one’s thinking evolves and I now think that people will have an even greater attraction to a handbook that is country-specific--dealing with history and customs as well as strategies for the future. Q: What is the implementation strategy? Myers: We are now developing the implementation strategy--we are targeting secondary schools, ingando camps, and a wide variety of NGOs. We have launched a campaign for cooperating organizations and we will give tips and training to those who will conduct the discussions. Q: Who is needed in the implementation process? Myers: High school and university students, teachers, leaders of NGOs who are in a position to influence others to develop their civic skills as an essential part of their individual development as well as the progress of the nation. I believe that the media, print, radio and television can play a particularly important role by conducting the conversation among readers, listeners and viewers. Q: How will the handbook contribute to a better Rwanda? Myers: I think that publicizing the conversation as a national project is important--and, for example--organizing examples of conversations through the media—getting some famous people to read a short chapter and then discuss the questions that we have in the book--and beyond that--create their own questions. You’d be surprised at how enjoyable such conversations are!Along with many others, I have observed a readiness among Rwandans for change--and for playing a role in the larger world. Rwandans have a strong sense of themselves and the confidence that it requires to take bold steps forward. The conversation is a vehicle for them to talk more about what they see as most important in their society. Email: pgathoni@gmail.com