Rwandan parents living in the United States of America have emphasized their commitment to supporting their children in preserving their traditional culture, which forms the foundation of their identity as Rwandans. This was highlighted on November 30, during an event called Inkera, organized by Rwandans residing in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. ALSO READ: US, Rwanda in culture exchange The event showcased children’s talents, including traditional dances, storytelling, riddles, and songs. It served as a model for demonstrating how Rwandan culture can be preserved abroad, reinforcing unity and the values of Rwandans wherever they may be located. Alain Kagabo Mitali, a parent and one of the children’s trainers, said that the initiative to teach Rwandan culture yielded positive results, even though it initially faced some resistance. In this country, with its diverse population, cultures are blended, and there is no consistent cultural identity. As parents, we decided to set an example and guide our children by instilling Rwandan values. We started with just a few children, and at first, they were not interested. Gradually, they began to see it as a way to bond as a family, referring to one another as relatives, which made them enjoy it more,” he said. ALSO READ: Rwandan embassy in US launches cultural tourism Recently, we began teaching Kinyarwanda, dividing the children into groups based on their proficiency level, as some don’t speak the language at all. Our goal is that by June next year, each child will be able to engage in basic conversations. The event featured performances by Ibirezi n’Amasonga, a cultural troupe of Rwandan children in the U.S. ALSO READ: Former street children perform in the US Dylan Cyuzuzo and Keza Oriane Bahunde, two participants, highlighted the importance of the programme. I’ve learned that Rwandans are amazing people, and we must celebrate our culture to show its value. It teaches us about our origins and helps us communicate with our parents and grandparents in Kinyarwanda,” Cyuzuzo said. Bahunde said the programme helped her learn more about Rwandan culture. The Rwandan Ambassador to the U.S., Mathilde Mukantabana, stated: “This is all thanks to their parents, who not only care about their children but also stay informed about what’s happening in the homeland. “Many parents here love their country and visit it, observing what children in Rwanda do and integrating it with their aspirations here. Every parent wishes for their child to know them, but you can’t know your parent without understanding where they come from and their culture. The programme will be extended to other Rwandan communities in the U.S, she said.
