Kigali Global Shapers launched

Kigali Global Shapers (KGS) hub, a community whose vision is to create a platform that engages with the youth to inspire innovation and change, has been launched.KGS is part of the Global Shapers Community, an offshoot of the World Economic Forum.According to the organizers, KGS’s first initiative – Twumve, Twumve, is aimed at empowering Rwandan youth through the spreading of ideas, engaging in dialogue and cross-mentoring with Rwandan leaders.Organisers noted in a statement that: “The name Twumve, Twumve is based on the premise of youth listening to role models, and being listened to in return, and can be loosely translated as ‘we hear you, hear us too.”The launch was held under the theme, “Rwanda 50+”, and included speakers Senator Tito Rutaremara, Acting CEO, Rwanda Development Board (RDB ), Clare Akamanzi and Diane Umutoni, a young girl from the Girl Hub’s Ni Nyampinga project.The Global Shapers Community is a network of hubs founded and led by young people who are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their communities.Based on the nation-wide activities celebrating Rwanda’s 50th year of independence and 18 years since its liberation, speakers at the launch engaged the young members of the audience in reflecting on Rwanda 50 years ago, what it is today and envisaging where it should be in the next 50 years.Sen. Rutaremara gave a historical account of Rwanda from its pre-colonial days to its present, with a narrative of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (R PF) struggle and the impact of its leadership on events leading to present-day Rwanda.Akamanzi spoke of Rwanda today and its journey of resilience.She said: “18 years ago, it was impossible to think we would be where we are today. This is a result of determination and resilience.” She encouraged the audience that when faced with a challenge, “to feel the fear and do it anyway.”Akamanzi was recently named Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (WEF).Umutoni gave an account of her personal growth from the Ni Nyampinga project, stating that her vision of Rwanda in 50 years “is one full of confident Rwandans who have the idea that anything is achievable if one’s mind is put to it.” KGS’s mission is to “empower youth through the spread of ideas and dialogue.”All its 10 global shapers were selected based on their leadership capacities which reportedly are benefiting communities.According to Founding custodian, Diana Mpyisi, some of the Hub’s outcomes are the creation of networks between youth involved in the Twumve, Twumve initiative, as well as the creation of an emerging and positive narrative of Rwanda by its youth.

National

Kigali Global Shapers launched