This morning in Nyarugenge District, President Kagame was joined by Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors & Founder of Giants of Africa, over 200 youth campers from 16 African countries and youth from Nyarugenge for a special Umuganda to build a road for the local community.
Giants of Africa is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of African youth through sports. In celebration of Giants of Africa’s 20th anniversary, more than 250 youth from 16 countries meet in Kigali. (End).
The word Umuganda can be translated as “coming together in common purpose to achieve an outcome”. In Rwanda, traditionally members of the community would call upon their family, friends and neighbours to help them complete a difficult task.
Modern day Umuganda can be described as community work. On the last Saturday of each month, communities come together to do a variety of public works, which often include activities that promote infrastructure development and environmental protection. Rwandans between 18 and 65 are obliged to participate in these activities, and non-Rwandans living in Rwanda are encouraged to take part. (End)