The young students studying at the University of Science, INES Ruhengeri, exposed the culture of the 24 countries they come from, and are asked to leave it as a legacy of history and a source of development.
In the Intercultural Day, Ines Ruhengeri brought together students from different countries, they showed dances, food and drink, beliefs, clothes and fashion and shared food to get to know each other better.
The Supreme Leader of Ines Ruhengeri, Bishop Visenti Harolimana, reminded the youth that culture is like a pillar of the country’s history and that no development can be achieved without culture.
He also asked the students to embrace their culture and strive for unity and aim to use the knowledge they receive in order to solve the problems of their countries.
He said: “Your coming together is a great opportunity to share values and learn from the good of others. You should make the most of this opportunity and fight for unity to be able to solve some of the problems of the countries you come from.”
Some of the students who participated in this activity, confirmed that it helped them get to know each other better and understand that they have a lot in common as Africans through different cultures.
Alec Daniel Chol from South Sudan said, “This event gives us a chance to show who we are and share our culture with others. Sharing our daily lives here at school makes us feel more united despite our differences.”
Musoya Nsenga Joel from the Democratic Republic of Congo, also said, “Although we are different in languages and countries, our culture has a lot in common. We should build on it to build unity and solve our problems instead of dividing.”
The Ambassador of Zimbabwe in Rwanda, Charity Manyeruke, reminded the students that the courses they are studying should not only help them get a job, but they should also use it to promote values and love on the African continent.
He said, “Keep using the knowledge you have to develop your countries and be a catalyst for positive change in our continent.”
The Executive Secretary of the Northern Province, Pascal Ngendahimana, reminded the students that meeting and sharing culture should prepare them to go to the international labor market.
“The meeting of students from different countries helps them learn more and prepare to work at the international level,” he said.
Intercultural Day is held every year so that students can better understand each other and improve their knowledge to help them develop their countries based on the culture of other countries.
Participating countries include Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Liberia, Comoros, Mali, Romania, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Uganda, Sudan, Niger, Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Cameroon.
