Rwanda: The First Step of Patriotism, Rutaremara Inspires Youth
The Role of Family in Shaping Future Leaders
Understanding one’s country, its history, and its challenges is the foundation of true patriotism. This belief was emphasized by Tito Rutaremara, a veteran politician and Chairperson of the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum (REAF). During an intergenerational dialogue held at Parliament on December 30, he highlighted how this deep knowledge distinguished the members of the RPF-Inkotanyi who led Rwanda’s liberation struggle. The event brought together Members of Parliament, civil society actors, government officials, and young people to explore the role of families in shaping principled and solution-oriented future leaders.
Rutaremara pointed out that the liberation movement was driven not by empty slogans but by a profound understanding of Rwanda’s realities. “The earlier generation understood their country and its issues, which compelled them to fight for change,” he said. He argued that without this understanding, even the strongest sense of patriotism cannot lead to genuine efforts for national progress.
A Call for Better Parenting and Education
The veteran politician criticized contemporary parenting methods, warning that excessive material provision without mentorship is producing a generation less equipped for independent thinking and problem-solving. He noted that many parents are prioritizing familiarity with foreign cultures while neglecting local realities. For example, he mentioned that children today often turn to the internet to find answers about basic questions related to their own country, such as identifying the best football player in Rwanda or understanding the challenges facing agriculture.
He also expressed concern over the unchecked use of technology, which he believes weakens young people’s sense of identity, history, and belonging. “Children are consulting Google for everything,” he said. “They do not know their origins or their history. Our culture and civilization are increasingly owned by Google, and that is the danger.”
Rutaremara argued that many parents, despite good intentions, fail to create meaningful time for their children, leading to upbringing that lacks strong values and character formation. He pointed out that the education system often focuses on academic achievement while neglecting the development of moral values. “Values are neither sufficiently instilled at home nor at school,” he said. “Education has become highly sophisticated, but it remains hollow without values.”
Cultivating Problem-Solving Abilities
Rutaremara emphasized the need to nurture problem-solving abilities from an early age, contrasting this with the experiences of previous generations. “In earlier times, we were sufficiently challenged to find our own solutions,” he said. He highlighted how children used to create their own toys and playthings, whereas today, even in rural areas, parents often buy ready-made items for their children.
He urged parents to move beyond slogans and instead focus on practical actions. “Parents should shift from phrases like ‘Intore y’ishakira inzira’ to reality by training children to find solutions to their own challenges,” he said. This approach must also be adopted in schools, where children can be taught to develop their own solutions. Small disciplines instilled early in life significantly shape who they become later.
The Importance of Values and Community
Rutaremara also noted the erosion of traditional family structures, where children were part of the wider community and could be guided by elders. This shift has created new challenges for modern parenting. He stressed that the responsibility of raising values-driven youth must be shared more broadly. “Teachers also have a responsibility not only to educate but to act as parental figures in guiding young people in traditional values,” he said. “They oversee learners from the age of three up to 24. Deliberate efforts must therefore be made to ensure effective, value-based education.”
Despite these challenges, Rutaremara acknowledged that Rwanda’s youth are living in a favorable governance environment that promotes inclusion. The government has provided universal education, civic education, and political education. Youth aged between 18 and 30 participate in politics and decision-making at different levels. He noted that many leaders in government were once young people during the liberation struggle.
Addressing Social Challenges
During the dialogue, MPs highlighted several challenges affecting young people, particularly those rooted in family settings. These include drug abuse, weak parenting, erosion of traditional values, family conflicts linked to alcoholism, infidelity, economic pressures, and misunderstandings around gender equality. These issues often lead to broader social problems such as teenage pregnancies, street children, domestic violence, and intergenerational poverty.
Francis Nyamaswa, acting National Youth Council Coordinator, acknowledged progress in youth inclusion but called for more trust from older generations. “Youth should be trusted by older generations in different settings,” he said. “They want to contribute to problem-solving rather than having their ideas dismissed as immature.” He warned that unchecked fearlessness among some youth stems from weak value systems, limited parental guidance, and unfiltered internet influence.
Nyamaswa emphasized that the most effective way of teaching is by example. “Parents and leaders must reflect on the examples they set, both in leadership and family settings,” he said. Many of the challenges faced by youth originate within families before expanding into community and national issues.
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