Imbuto Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), is hosting the 14th Annual Holiday Camp for senior six graduates from its Edified Generation Scholarship Programme. A total of 253 students will engage in sessions on Rwandan history, culture, civic engagement, and discussions on topics like adolescent health, mental well-being, and responsible social media use. The sessions are designed to instil positive cultural values, help the youth understand the national vision, and promote qualities that define responsible youth in Rwandan society. The camp, which started on October 23 will run until October 29 at the National Ubutore Development Centre in Nkumba, Burera District. ALSO READ: Imbuto Foundation education scholarship programme gets boost Elodie Shami, the Director General of Imbuto Foundation, praised MINUBUMWE for hosting the camp at Nkumba. She noted that: “We hope that the participants will emerge from this programme as exemplary individuals, well-prepared to serve Rwanda with distinction and lead by example. “A person is shaped by many influences throughout their life — from the family they are born into to the lessons they are taught, and the teachers they encounter along the way. It is important to complement the knowledge gained in school with new insights, as all of these elements come together to form a capable and knowledgeable Rwandan. During this camp, you will learn in detail about the national vision and reflect on the contributions you are ready to make, because every person’s contribution is valuable.” ALSO READ: Chinese embassy boosts Imbuto’s ‘Edified Generation’ with Rwf30m “You, the youth, play a vital role in preserving the progress we’ve achieved and in building the Rwanda of tomorrow, beyond even our current dreams.” Since its inception in 2002, the Edified Generation programme, launched by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, has provided financial support to more than 10,925 secondary school students, promoting access to quality education for Rwanda’s youth. Jean-Damascène Bizimana, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, stressed the importance of the camp for two reasons: the participants are the youth, and they have a unique opportunity to learn. He reminded them of the importance of understanding the country’s history and that post-genocide Rwandan youth are fortunate compared to those who lived between 1959 and 1994, a period when hate, divisionism, and genocide ideology were taught, leading to the destruction of the nation. He emphasized that today’s youth benefit from living in a country good leadership that invests in young people, teaching them values like respect for every Rwandan. “You are lucky to receive an education based on values that promote unity. Make the most of it and continue the progress Rwanda has made,” he urged. He encouraged the trainees to use the week-long camp to deepen their knowledge of Rwanda’s history and learn about homegrown solutions that address the country’s challenges. He urged them to be solution-oriented and contribute to building a better future for Rwanda. Benice Benumwe Uwawe, a senior six graduate, expressed excitement about learning values and history from reliable sources. “We will get real facts and better understand the causes of certain events. I’m sure by the end of the camp, we’ll have gained valuable knowledge to contribute to our country’s development,” she said. Gad Mucunguzi, another participant, noted that the camp is helping him understand true Rwandan values and their meaning. “Coming from families affected by the country’s history, this camp is teaching us how to live with and support them. I’m learning how to help change mindsets and how to deal with people who may try to divert me when it comes to our history,” he said.
