The annual event dubbed Celebrating Young Rwandan Achievers (CYRWA) is hosted by Imbuto Foundation under the leadership of the Rwanda First Lady, Jeannette Kagame.
During the ceremony, outstanding Rwandans aged 18-35 are recognized for their exceptional accomplishments or contribution towards the betterment of society.
The 2013 ceremony is the 4th edition and will be held under the theme “We are the ones we have been waiting for”
Imbuto Foundation invites nominations from the public and the winners are selected based on a rigorous criteria that includes demonstration of leadership qualities, creativity, ability to inspire fellow youth and motivate fellow youth as well and devotion towards the development of Rwanda.
According to a statement from Imbuto Foundation, prior to the awards ceremony, a youth forum comprising outstanding panelists is held to discuss how the youth can achieve their full potential.
During the ceremony the First Lady Jeannette Kagame commended he young achievers for having contributed to the national economic growth.
‘It is a pleasure to host this 4th edition of Celebrating Young Rwandan Achievers dinner’ she said
‘We are here tonight to appreciate their meaningful participation, their stories, sacrifice, and their success’ ‘Allow me to congratulate 7 young women and men who are being awarded tonight. It is a symbol that you are on the right path’Rwandan First Mum says
For her being honored with CYRWA award is an expression of how proud young achievers are and she hopes they are pleased with the fruits of their labor’
“Truth be told, the challenges you overcame are your real accomplishments. They are a true measure of your will, strength and vision.I want you to think about your collective mission as a generation. Guided by visionary leadership, Rwanda’s humanity was restored’ ‘she advised youth with shining faces.
She reminded the youth Rwanda went different though situation that stitched society and for her it is common duty to build our nation.
“Our social fabric has been stitched but together; it is now up to us to hold these precious hard worn gains firmly in place.We must be self reliant otherwise we shall simply perish’
The audience was made up of 200 young entrepreneurs living in Rwanda.
In 2007,the First Lady of Rwanda Mrs Jeannette Kagame through Imbuto Foundation initiated a Youth Leadership and Mentorship Program.The CYRWA is one of three fold program activities that aims at empowering and celebrating the achievements of Rwandan young entrepreneurs.
During the last 3 editions of CYRWA, 22 remarkable young Rwandan men and women were awarded for various achievements related to leadership, entrepreneurship, art, sciences and community mobilization.
Daddy Sadiki RUBANGURA
UM– USEKE.RW