With over 320 young participants from 20 countries, the festival\u2019s multifaceted celebration focuses on basketball, education, culture, and entertainment, with the overarching goal of uniting and empowering youth from across the African continent.<\/p>\n
Some of the countries represented include Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Botswana, South Sudan, Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Benin, Mali, Morocco, and Senegal, among others.<\/p>\n
IGIHE caught up with some of the participants to hear their stories and expectations as the event gets underway.<\/p>\n
Abdul Salam from South Sudan arrived in Kigali with an open heart and eagerness to grow. He expressed that his goal was \u201cto learn a lot, like discipline and how to believe in yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the festival progressed, he found himself deeply inspired by the environment around him.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey inspire me, they motivate me,\u201d he said, referencing the mentors and fellow youth participants. For Abdul, this was more than just a camp; it was a personal turning point.<\/p>\n
Once the curtains come down on the event, he said he will head back to South Sudan with a mission to “inspire and motivate people, encouraging them not to lose hope in life.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Mary Igwokwo from Nigeria, the festival is an exciting whirlwind of fun, connection, and discovery.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis whole experience is fun for me, and I\u2019m really enjoying myself big time,\u201d she said enthusiastically.<\/p>\n
But beyond the fun, she found a deeper lesson in unity and teamwork. \u201cI learned about collaboration, not just operating alone,\u201d she shared.<\/p>\n
Mary plans to return home as an advocate of love, leadership, and unity. \u201cI\u2019ll tell people to love each other, work together, dream big, and be leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n
Abdul Rahman Hussein, from Somalia, was on his second visit to Rwanda. His love for the country was evident.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love Rwanda. The people are helpful, and the weather is good. Alhamdulillah, everything is good,\u201d he said warmly.<\/p>\n
He praised the organisation and impact of the event, calling it \u201ca big event, very amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
What stood out most to Abdul Rahman was the culture of kindness and encouragement he observed in Rwanda.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll tell people about the love of Rwanda and encourage other African countries to come to Rwanda.\u201d<\/p>\n
Yao Yu Fei, a visitor from China, was in Kigali during the festival and decided to attend out of curiosity after seeing it promoted online.<\/p>\n
\u201cRwanda is very beautiful, and the climate is so nice,\u201d he shared. What impressed him most was the atmosphere and energy of the youth. \u201cThe young people here are so passionate and positive,\u201d he said. Smiling, he added, \u201cI don\u2019t want to go back to China for now.\u201d<\/p>\n