Uganda should pick lessons!
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Young people are 100% the solution and hope for the future of any nation and so not investing in them is completely suicidal.
Each year, Never Again Rwanda (NAR) hosts a 2-week Peace-Building Institute (PBI) that brings together young people from Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, DRC, Burundi, Sudan, among other countries. Participants discuss
the question "WHAT CAN RWANDA TEACH THE WORLD?" Through readings of a shared set of texts, site visits, lectures and group discussions, participants explore themes of genocide, transitional justice, good governance and development and learn skills as global citizens in cross-cultural dialogue, critical thinking, analysis of complex issues and problem solving.
The visit of the National Unity and reconciliation Commission got me thinking what exactly it is that Rwanda has that accounts for its uniqueness. And indeed Rwanda has a lot to teach the world especially Africa. What remains a challenge is that whereas Rwanda has one language and culture, which have facilitated the post genocide healing and empowerment initiatives, majority of our countries including Uganda have got a host (call it confusion if you want) of many tribes and a mixture of cultures.
Again, a talk with Joseph Ryarasa, Country Director at Never Again Rwanda, always reminds me that Rwanda has a very strong memory of the 1994 Genocide and it is the point of resolution to have a better Rwanda. Sharing with Fellow participants is indeed a true reflection that my observations are not unique. Gladys Wambui from Kenya shares the same and we are left wondering why our other African Countries cannot actually learn from Rwanda.
I will come back to share more
Alexander Kyokwijuka
Executive Director
Youth Aid Africa.