The Minister of International Affairs and Worldwide Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has urged Rwandans to make use of Umuganura as a second to mirror on the nation they’re constructing and the legacy they may depart for future generations.
Nduhungirehe made the decision on Friday, July 7, throughout Umuganura celebrations within the Metropolis of Kigali, the place he joined Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva in serving milk to kids as a part of actions marking the Nationwide Harvest Day.
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He mentioned Umuganura shouldn’t be seen merely as a one-day celebration of the harvest, however as a possibility to evaluate what has been achieved, establish what wants to enhance and be certain that the progress made is handed on to the following technology.
“The query we must always subsequently ask ourselves is: what sort of Rwanda are we making ready to depart to our kids? What sort of Rwanda are we making ready to depart to the younger technology?” he mentioned.
Umuganura constructed on sharing
Umuganura, derived from the Kinyarwanda verb kuganura, which means to share the primary harvest, historically introduced Rwandans collectively to provide thanks for what they’d produced and share it with others.
Nduhungirehe famous that in historic Rwanda the custom was not restricted to those that loved a great harvest. Households and neighbours shared with each other, whereas individuals who had skilled poor harvests due to illness, disasters or different challenges had been additionally included.
“This mirrored the values of solidarity and mutual help,” he mentioned.
The minister mentioned the custom additionally offered a possibility to mirror on achievements and shortcomings and decide what wanted to be improved to realize higher leads to the next yr.
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Givin milk to kids mirrored this precept, with leaders becoming a member of residents in sharing meals and drinks as a part of the celebration. Conventional cultural performances additionally introduced totally different generations collectively to have fun Rwanda’s heritage.
Unity and accountability
Nduhungirehe mentioned Umuganura supplies a possibility to mirror on the nationwide rules of unity, work and patriotism.
“Unity is the inspiration of every thing we do. This nation was destroyed by an absence of unity and has been rebuilt via unity. There could be no Umuganura with out unity,” he mentioned.
He mentioned unity ought to convey collectively totally different generations, significantly younger folks and older residents, as they work towards constructing the Rwanda they need.
He additionally linked patriotism to accountability for fellow residents, saying love for the nation must be demonstrated via look after its folks.
“Above all, loving your nation means loving Rwandans. Nobody can declare to like the nation whereas not loving its folks,” he mentioned.
Defending the following technology
Nduhungirehe linked this accountability to the continued crackdown on illicit and substandard alcohol, which he mentioned threatens the wellbeing and productiveness of Rwandans.
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Greater than 50 folks have died this yr after consuming substandard alcohol, whereas greater than 100 have misplaced their sight, in accordance with figures offered in the course of the occasion. Greater than 11,000 folks had been additionally reported to have developed extreme alcohol dependency. Greater than 140 firms have been closed and lots of of alcohol manufacturers recalled from the market.
He mentioned the crackdown shouldn’t be seen as an try to focus on younger folks or traders, however as a measure to guard Rwandans.
“The selections taken to crack down on substandard alcohol should not supposed to harass younger folks or goal traders. Moderately, they’re measures geared toward defending Rwandans,” he mentioned.
He additionally urged mother and father and communities to take better accountability for youngsters, warning towards leaving them uncovered to dangerous influences.
“For those who see a three-year-old youngster alone on the road within the morning, don’t merely say, ‘That isn’t my youngster, so it isn’t my concern,’” he mentioned.
“A toddler belongs to the household, but in addition to the neighborhood and the nation.”
Nduhungirehe mentioned younger folks must also be supplied with productive actions, together with sports activities and cultural programmes, significantly throughout weekends and faculty holidays.
He mentioned the normal sharing of drinks throughout Umuganura shouldn’t be confused with extreme alcohol consumption.
“It was a logo of fellowship amongst Rwandans, not an invite to devour alcohol excessively, grow to be drunk and lose the power to contribute meaningfully to society,” he mentioned.
He urged Rwandans to make sure that the progress celebrated throughout Umuganura continues to develop, leaving future generations with a stronger nation.
“We should put together a greater Rwanda in order that the progress we’re celebrating throughout this yr’s Umuganura will improve moderately than decline subsequent yr,” he mentioned.
