Renowned Rwandan artist Babo is among the participants in the 15th Indangamirwa youth leadership camp held at Nkumba Leadership Training Centre in Burera District. The program focuses on educating young leaders about Rwanda's values, history, and vision for the future. Babo has also expressed a heartfelt desire to join the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF), citing it as the ultimate act of patriotism.
The leadership camp includes Rwandan youth who study or reside overseas, graduates from international schools based in Rwanda, top achievers from the Inkomezabigwi12 community service program, and youth leadership representatives. This year, 438 individuals are attending, comprised of 204 young women and 234 young men.
In a heartfelt interview with Radio Rwanda, Babo shared his motivations for joining the camp, highlighting his profound love for the nation and his commitment to contributing to Rwanda's development.
He explained, “The reason I came here is because I deeply love my country. I wanted to learn about its history and prepare myself to contribute to its development. I asked myself, ‘What can I do for my country?’ Before making the decision to join the army, I decided to start here and learn how things are done.”
Babo further elaborated that joining the army represents a significant act of self-sacrifice for Rwanda, emphasizing it as “the only thing I can do for this country because of my love for it.”
During the camp's official launch, Rwanda's Minister for National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, encouraged the attendees to become role models. He urged them to avoid adopting negative cultural practices from foreign countries and instead embrace Rwanda’s values.
Dr. Bizimana also delivered an impactful lecture on Rwanda's history, detailing the damaging legacy of colonialism, which sowed division and paved the way for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He motivated the youth to reject genocide ideology and work towards building a united, stronger Rwanda.
The Minister called on participants to uphold pre-colonial virtues such as patriotism, unity, dignity, and a strong work ethic to contribute to Rwanda's growth.
Over the 45-day camp, participants will engage in workshops and activities covering critical topics, including Rwanda's historical milestones, cultural values and taboos, resilience in overcoming challenges, maintaining unity among Rwandans, combating genocide ideology, and debating their roles in the nation's development.
Babo, like others at the camp, expressed confidence in leaving the program with deeper insights into Rwanda’s history and stronger appreciation for Rwanda’s cultural values, alongside a commitment to addressing key challenges facing the nation.
Rwanda’s Unity and Civic Engagement Minister, Dr. Bizimana Jean Damascène, inspired youth participants to become national role models.
The 15th Indangamirwa leadership camp is hosted at the Nkumba Leadership Training Centre, located in Burera District.
The cohort comprises 104 youths studying or living abroad, alongside students from international schools in Rwanda, top performers from community service programs, and youth leaders.
Babo reiterated his ambition to join the Rwanda Defense Forces, emphasizing that serving his country through ensuring security is his ultimate patriotic mission.
Babo is enthusiastic about acquiring key learnings and transformative experiences from his time at the leadership camp.
Babo’s passion also extends to music, where he is celebrated for hits such as "Yogati" featuring Bruce Melodie and "Go Low" with The Ben.
The camp's activities are curated to imbue Rwandan values and cultural philosophies into the participants.
As the Indangamirwa15 camp officially commenced, participants were filled with excitement and enthusiasm.
