Rwandese speak out their dreams
As Rwanda strives to find its rightful position on the global development map, Rwandese are working tirelessly to meet the vision of the country known for it’s enchanting beauty and rowing hills. Some Rwandese shared their views with Arthur Baguma about the trek to making their country a better place to live.
Gaspard Kayijuka, director of sports Ministry of Youth Culture and Sports
If you compare Rwanda with other countries which were affected by war, Rwanda is re-building fast. The development of the education sector is quite impressive. Before 1994, we had one university but now, we have more than 10 universities.
Halelimana Gasper, 30, welder
I have lived in Kigali for seven years. My vision is what President Paul Kagame is pushing for. I want Rwanda to become a modern country, where people live happily and we are on course. More roads have been constructed and new buildings are sprouting up. The government policy on the youth is promising. We have formed associations to access credit facilities to start self-help projects.
Jenipher Ingabire, marketing manager Intersec Security Company, Kigali
There is rapid growth across the country. Politically, there is enough security, which is the most important impetus for investment. In my view, there is democracy, women empowerment since the percentage of women in Parliament and cabinet is up.
Mary Gahonzire, deputy commissioner general (operations) Rwanda Police
The Government is moving in the right direction. It has supported us to ensure law and order in the country. Now it is incumbent upon us to serve the people. Today, there is a lot of discipline among the most undisciplined road users – the motorcyclists.
Alice Mukaka, secretary at the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports
We are developing at a speed no one could have imagined 10 years ago. There is a will to progress, which is unprecedented in this country’s history. We may not be at the same level of development with other countries in the region, but our pace is promising.
Aliston Kyanga, 47, civil servant, Ministry of Agriculture
There has been a lot of development in the agricultural sector. The acreage of planted crops has increased. Basic crops like rice have had their acreage increase to about three to four folds. There has been improvement in the livestock sector, trading and construction. The Rwandese are working hard to achieve their vision.
Alvere Mukankubito, director of gender, youth and culture, Prime Minister’s office
In 1994, many men were killed during the genocide. They left hordes of widows and orphans. So, women have had to work twice harder to fill the gap left by men. The government has moved swiftly to help the women. What is happening in Rwanda is a revolution and women are at the forefront of development. Putting women in leadership positions is no longer a taboo. We have a big number in Parliament and other leadership positions.
Emmanuel Wimana, 45, taxi driver
We shall do what it takes to develop our country. We have a visionary president and we are not going to sit back and let him down. There are signs that we shall grow very fast considering the developments achieved in just 10 years. *
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