Words can make all the difference. Simple words, yet powerful in the manner in which they can change history, should never be underestimated. In Rwanda, one such word is ‘agaciro.’ The word ‘agaciro’, which means dignity and self-worth, has been used to illustrate the need for Rwandans to take control of their destiny and start on the path of self-sustainability. For awhile, the word ‘agaciro’ was more of a theory, immediately recognised by many as integral to Rwanda’s development and the self-respect of her people. After all, how else can ‘agaciro’ be attained if it isn’t earned?As more and more Rwandans were beginning to embody this simple yet powerful word in their daily lives, in comes the Agaciro Development Fund. Finally – a practical and tangible reflection of the buzzword that seamlessly brought Rwandans together to weave their destiny. There has been a lot of attention garnered by this solidarity fund, which through voluntary contributions by Rwandans and friends of Rwanda, is aimed at supplementing other sources of revenue so as to accelerate the country’s social-economic development.It is viewed by some as an historical act, a way of Rwandans looking inwards (as they always have) and finding solutions on how self-determination and ‘agaciro’ can actually become a reality. There is also something that the Agaciro Development Fund has that ‘Vision 2020’ had when it was launched as a national policy document over a decade ago – the power of bringing Rwandans together to re-write their national narrative with an infectious and energetic attitude.It has been emphasized that the Fund isn’t a replacement of aid, and there have been some valid debates on the sustainable ways people can continue contributing to it. A possible idea, in a recent conversation with friends, was the possibility of creating an Agaciro bond. That way it would be borrowing in Rwandan Francs from the public. Contributions would be possibly larger and more sustainable if people think of them as investments in Rwanda with a monetary reward at the end of a given period. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and what we’re seeing in Rwanda today is a step in the right direction – that of not waiting for other nationals to voluntary contribute toward our development.As many are, I wait to see which creative, albeit realistic ways will these funds will be absorbed to make real impacts on communities and institutions.
