Introduction.
I am Vital Muvunyi from Rwanda. Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Rwanda is a breathtakingly beautiful country with its lush green landscapes and stunning mountain ranges. We are a nation united by our common ancestry, history, culture, and language, which is Kinyarwanda. Together, we face challenges head-on, celebrate our collective achievements as one nation, and share our troubles and triumphs.
Like many other African countries, Rwanda has a difficult past. In 1994, we experienced the worst tragedy of our generation: the genocide against the Tutsi, in which over 1 million innocent people were killed in just 100 days. However, since then, Rwanda has made remarkable progress in healing and rebuilding. We have worked tirelessly to promote unity, reconciliation, and economic development. Today, we stand as a shining example of resilience and hope for the rest of the world.
There are many similar stories on the African continent, most of my agemates have been born during wars and turmoil, yet many African nations are building themselves up and making quite a progress in spite of unspeakable challenges that the continent continues to face.
Recent events in Rwanda have inspired me to write this piece to the young Africans of my generation.
Many Rwandans are celebrating the recent announcement of H.E. Paul Kagame, to run for president in 2024. Rwandans are also still celebrating October 1st, known as “Patriotism Day,” a day on which Rwandan heroes set out to liberate the country from divisionism and poverty.
While reading one of my favorite books of all time, I read these words that are connected to the above-mentioned events. The author Stephen Kinzer writes
“The children of Rwandan refugees attended outdoor schools that their parents organized amid the squalor of their camps. Paul proved an eager pupil, and after finishing the equivalent of third grade, he was accepted into the well-regarded Rwengoro Primary School. It was a ten-mile walk from his camp, but he seized the chance. He applied himself single-mindedly to his studies and was so successful that in his final year of primary school, he won the highest grades of any student in the district. This was no easy feat. There were many Rwandan students there, and nearly every one had been sent to school with the same challenge: study hard, because your generation must find a way to end our exile.”
The last words of this statement are the lasting words for me. It’s clear that the generation of my president clearly knew what their purpose was. I wondered if my generation really knows what our generation’s assignment is. I pondered on whether we are aware of the significance of our role in shaping the future. As I reflected on the achievements of the previous generation, I realized that it is crucial for us to understand and embrace our own purpose in order to make a meaningful impact.
Standing on the shoulders of giants.
Our generation is undeniably fortunate, reaping the rewards of the sacrifices made by the generations preceding us in Africa. We find ourselves standing upon the formidable legacies they left behind. The challenges they confronted were far more back-breaking than those we face today, yet they displayed unwavering determination in defining and fulfilling their generational missions.
They fought for independence, equality, and social justice, paving the way for our freedoms and opportunities. As we reflect on their achievements, we must recognize our responsibility to leave a positive impact on society. By understanding and embracing our own purpose, we can continue their legacy and make a meaningful difference in the world.
Kwame Nkrumah’s generation, including Julius Nyerere, Patrice Lumumba, Jomo Kenyatta, and many others, achieved their mission to lead African countries to independence from colonial rule. They left behind a dream for Africa: a united continent, free from colonization and slavery, where all nations would work together for the betterment of the people.
Their vision was to create a united Africa, where education, economic development, and political unity would power the continent’s progress. By carrying on their legacy and working towards their dream, we can honor their sacrifices and strive towards a future where Africa truly thrives as a united and independent continent.
Their generation was followed by liberation fighters like President Robert Mugabe, President Museveni, and President Kagame, among others, who realized that yes, Africa had been granted independence, but there was a lot of work to be done to make sure that Africans indeed were independent. These leaders recognized the need for economic development, political stability, and social progress in order to fully achieve independence.
They recognized that while Africa had secured independence, the journey to true self-sufficiency was far from complete. They implemented policies aimed at empowering their citizens, promoting education, and fostering regional cooperation to address the challenges Africa faced. Through their efforts, they paved the way for a new generation of African leaders committed to building a prosperous and self-reliant continent.
I know my generation loves to criticize these leaders; we think they could and should have achieved more, and I wonder if, given their circumstances, we would have done better. Theodore Roosevelt once said
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Our generation is blessed to be born in a less harsh environment than our leaders. We have attended schools. Maybe we should stop critiquing them and correct their mistakes because they are leaving Africa better than they found it. It is up to us to take it to the next level.
We should appreciate their progress, learn from their experiences, and build on their achievements. By acknowledging their efforts and working together, we continue to improve Africa and create a brighter future for generations to come.
But can we do it? Do we even know what we ought to do? What is our assignment? What is the dream of the giants whose shoulders we stand-on to achieve?
We ought to answer that question of purpose. What is our purpose? We must clarify it. One of the greatest leaders of our time, Dr. Myles Munroe, said, “The greatest tragedy of life is not death but a life without purpose.” Do we have a purpose? Do we understand it?
Without a clear purpose, we may find ourselves drifting aimlessly, lacking direction and fulfillment. It is crucial for us to reflect on our individual and collective purpose, to understand the unique contributions we can make to create a brighter future.
Only by identifying our purpose can we truly unleash our potential and make a meaningful impact on the world. Let us embark on this journey of self-discovery and strive to live a life filled with purpose and significance.
My generation’s assignment
Our forefathers have crafted a vision known as the “Africa We Want, Agenda 2063.” a truly bold and ambitious vision for Africa’s future: AU website explains this agenda as “Agenda 2063 is Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future. It is the continent’s strategic framework that aims to deliver on its goal for inclusive and sustainable development and is a concrete manifestation of the pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity pursued under Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance”
I will be 69 years old by 2063. How old will you be? I know most of these fathers will not be around! Now,the responsibility falls upon you and me to guide our continent toward this ambitious vision.
So, let’s imagine, are we going to achieve what they have set for us? Goal number 8 of the agenda 2063 is a “United Africa (Federal or Confederate).” This should give you goosebumps upon hearing it. Considering the magnitude of the task ahead, It is such a concept that sends shivers down your spine.
I wonder if we are ready? I wonder if Africans of my generation know which role each of us is going to play. What do you think is going to be your personal contribution in this generation to make this vision happen?
It is indeed a daunting task to achieve a united Africa. The vision requires collective effort and dedication from all Africans, especially the younger generation. It is crucial for each individual to reflect on their personal contribution towards making this vision a reality. What steps can you take to promote unity and collaboration among Africans?
As you ask yourself those questions, here is how I think you can start to do it.
If you are a singer, let your voice soar, Sing of unity, of diversity, of African pride.
If you are a teacher, nurture the minds of the young, Teach them of Africa’s rich history, culture, and current events.
If you are a writer, let your words inspire, Write of the importance of African unity and cooperation.
If you are a speaker, raise your voice, Speak of the vision of a united Africa and how to achieve it.
If you are a farmer, sow the seeds of hope, Grow crops that can be shared with all Africans, helping to boost regional trade and integration.
If you are a cleaner, sweep away the divisions that separate us, Create a more welcoming and attractive environment for people from all over Africa.
If you are an innovator, let your creativity flourish, Develop new technologies and products that can help to improve the lives of all Africans.
No matter what your profession is, you have a role to play. Together, we can weave curteins of unity and create a brighter future for all Africans.
Use your platform, skills, and expertise to raise awareness and inspire others towards positive change. Remember, every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on shaping the future of our generation.
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