{{The first German-Rwandan Youth Meeting is scheduled to take place this month in the German cities of Berlin and Holzheim. }}
The country wide meeting which will bring together young Germans and Rwandans is organized by Rwanda Connection, a Germany based youth network of young Rwandans and friends of Rwanda.
Under the theme “Youth Engagement for Rwanda: From youths for youths, let’s move our world” meetings, cultural exhibitions and a conference are planned for the 24th August 2013 in the city of Holzheim and for 30th August 2013 in Germany’s capital Berlin.
This was revealed during a preparation meeting that took place in Berlin this week. According to the organization’s project manager and coordinator, Marisa Twahirwa, the aim of this event is to highlight youth engagement for Rwanda and provide an opportunity for young people to exchange and learn from each other.
“The German-Rwandan youth meeting will be the first of its kind. It will consist of meetings, a conference and a cultural evening. It’s our aim to enable Germans interested in Rwanda to experience Rwandan culture at first hand here in Germany, on the one hand. On the other hand, young Rwandans and Germans should get a public platform for exchanges.”
Gisele Nubuhoro who is coordinating the cultural activities further said in a statement that the event is a great opportunity to share the richness of Rwandan culture with friends of Rwanda and bring together the Rwandan community in Germany. She called upon members of the community to participate actively.
The activities for the two-day event will be realized thanks to the participation of different supporters, including the German Ministry of Development and Economic Cooperation and the Ministry of Interior of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate.
Among the cooperation partners who will contribute to enrich the event’s programme are the Rwandan student association of Kaiserslautern (AERK), the youth network Ejo-Connect, Young Rwandan Professionals-Europe and the youth association “Akanyoni Kaguruka ” (Zugvögel e.V.).
Other supporters and facilitators of the initiative include Isaro Foundation, Igihe Limited, Brussels Airlines and the Rwandan Diaspora association in Germany.
The chairperson of Rwanda Connection, Elisabeth Kaneza, stated that this wide support is a significant sign for the promotion of youth engagement and a reflection of the unique friendship existing between Rwandans and Germans, as well as with other nations.
“Young people matter. Across the globe, they are committed to changing the living conditions of other youths for the better. This event will celebrate their achievements and at the same time encourage other youths to do the same – to play a role in shaping a brighter future for all of us. Engagement requires examples and motivation.
We need role models. We need young inspiring leaders. And we can find many of them in Rwanda and in Germany. It’s remarkable what young people have achieved for Rwanda by joining their hands together. This shouldn’t remain unnoticed. This is their time.”
The event’s message is not limited to any location. Indeed, on the occasion of the German-Rwandan youth meeting Rwanda Connection is running a campaign titled “Rwanda in my heart” which calls upon youths to tell the world why they are engaged in Rwanda.
Designed by Kigali based ICT-expert Akaliza Keza Gara, the campaign aims to showcase a selection of messages of young Rwandans and Germans during the event.
Among the featured contributors are Isaro Foundation’s Jean Leon Iragena, Igihe’s Meilleur Murindabigwi and Rwandan App developer Sangwa Rwabuhihi. The campaign will be soon launched on Twitter and Facebook.
The organizing committee calls upon Rwandans abroad, especially those living in Germany, to contribute to the success of this event by providing any ideas and facilitation possible.
The team is still in need of more volunteers as well as contributors of Rwandan traditional items such as handcraft and fabrics to showcase the uniqueness of Rwandan culture.
Rwandans from near and far are thus invited to attend the event and join the organizers in welcoming friends of Rwanda.
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