Rwanda today stands as a peaceful, united, and hopeful nation. For many young people, especially Gen Z, this peace feels natural, it is the only Rwanda we have known. However, this calm and stability are the result of great sacrifice, resilience, and deliberate choices made by our parents and elders. They rebuilt a broken country, choosing unity over division and peace over hatred. As the youth of Rwanda, we must ask ourselves an important question: how will we protect and build upon what they worked so hard to achieve?
Our parents’ generation are the true heroes of this nation. After the tragedy Rwanda faced, they chose reconciliation when revenge seemed easier. They worked tirelessly to restore trust, rebuild institutions, and create a country where future generations could live with dignity. Many of them carried pain and loss, yet they still believed in a shared future. Because of their courage, today’s youth enjoy education, opportunity, safety, and freedom.
Stepping into our parents’ footsteps does not mean reliving their suffering. It means continuing their mission. Peace is not permanent by itself, it must be protected daily through responsible behavior, respect for others, and commitment to national values. This responsibility falls heavily on the shoulders of the youth, who now form the largest and most influential part of society.
H.E. President Paul Kagame has repeatedly reminded young people of this duty. In his messages to the youth, he has constantly emphasized that the young generation must pick up from where the country has been brought and ensure that the sacrifices made by previous generations are not wasted. His message is clear: Rwanda’s future depends on young people who are disciplined, informed, and ready to serve their country with integrity.
This call to responsibility is reflected in the lives of Rwandans who dedicated themselves to justice and service. One such figure is the late Marie-Immaculée Ingabire, who remains an important symbol of Rwanda’s journey of rebuilding and accountability. After the liberation, she returned to serve her country through journalism and civil society, working with institutions such as ORINFOR (now RBA) and Imvaho Nshya. She later became a strong and fearless voice in the fight against injustice and corruption. She dedicated her life to defending the vulnerable, promoting gender equality, and standing firmly for truth and integrity. Her message to the youth was simple but powerful: Rwanda’s future depends on young people who choose honesty, courage, and responsibility, and who are willing to stand for justice even when it is difficult. Though she is gone, her values continue to guide a generation called to protect peace and dignity.
Today’s youth live in a digital age where information spreads fast and influence is powerful. Social media can educate and unite, but it can also divide and mislead if used carelessly. Being patriotic today means using these platforms responsibly, rejecting hate speech, and refusing to spread false information. Words matter, and young people must understand that peace can be destroyed not only by actions, but also by careless speech.
Our parents taught us that patriotism is shown through actions, not slogans. It is seen in hard work, honesty, respect for others, and refusal of corruption. It is studying seriously, contributing positively to society, and standing up for what is right even when no one is watching. These everyday actions are what keep a nation strong.
Heroes today do not need weapons or uniforms. They are young people who protect unity, help their communities, speak the truth, and defend the vulnerable. They are those who understand Rwanda’s history and choose to build a better future from it.
As Gen Z and the youth of Rwanda, we carry a responsibility we cannot ignore. Our parents carried pain so that we could carry hope. Now it is our turn to protect what they built. By choosing peace, unity, and integrity every day, we honor their sacrifices and we become the heroes Rwanda needs for the future.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10
