Thousands of Youth Attend ‘Rwanda Shima Imana’ Rally

{{On Saturday, Rwandan Youth gathered at {Petit} Stadium for the Rwanda Shima Imana 2013 Youth Rally where Pastor Rick Warren encouraged them to work hard and dream big.}}

The Minister of Youth and ICT Jean Philbert Nsengimana , also reiterated the vision of Youth in Rwanda that they are committed and ready to achieve those dreams.

Rwanda Shima Imana derives its inspiration on a biblical text written in the book of Deuteronomy(8:10-18)- “When you have eaten and are satisfied praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you …”

This year’s Rwanda Shima Imana Youth Rally has been organized by the Christian churches in Rwanda in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and ICT (MYICT) and Imbuto Foundation.

Pastor Warren commended Rwanda’s development and challenges the Youth that they have to work hard and achieve the dream of the country by set goals; “You are the new generation; God uses a man who never gives up, never fear failure if what you are doing is for the glory of God…”

Minister Nsengimana shared the vision for Youth sector in Rwanda summarized in HAPPi Generation which is an acronym (H: Healthy, A: Attitude; Aptitude (skills, education), P: Patriotic, P: Productive and i: innovative).

He noted, “We want to see a generation that turns problems into opportunities … I hope that one day in Rwanda everyone will get a dignified job towards the sustainable development.”

Minister Nsengimana hailed Pastor Warren who agreed to be a Rwandan, added that it is in line with the launched program called Ndi Umunyarwanda which is a platform that drives the promise of the post genocide generation in Rwanda.

The rally “Dreaming great dreams”, was supported by the Rwanda Purpose Driven Ministries/P.E.A.C.E Plan- a Christian Organization and a platform of Christian Churches established in Rwanda resulting from the Friendship between President Paul Kagame and Rev. Dr Rick Warren Senior Pastor of Saddleback Church (USA, California).

Rwanda Purpose Driven Ministries/ PEACE Plan aims at promoting reconciliation among Rwandans, Equip leaders in all sectors of the Nation, Assist the Poor, Care for the sick and Educate the next generation.

Through this platform, all Christian churches have launched the National Thanksgiving Festival last year.