First Lady Jeannette Kagame urges young Rwandans to build strong families as foundation of national legacy

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

KIGALI – First Lady Jeannette Kagame has called on young Rwandans to take responsibility for shaping the country’s future, stressing that building a lasting legacy begins at home.

She made the remarks on Sunday, August 31, during the Young Leaders Prayer Breakfast at the Kigali Convention Centre. The event, organised by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship (RLF), brought together more than 600 participants, including leaders from government, faith-based organisations, the private sector, and civil society.

The First Lady highlighted the dangers posed by selfishness and indifference in modern society, noting that such trends undermine family values, marriage, and the spirit of selflessness. She urged young people to take the lead in restoring and preserving these values.

“Young people, in particular, have been entrusted with a great responsibility: to build a lasting legacy for future generations. This responsibility begins in our homes,” she said.

Mrs. Kagame cautioned against the growing tendency of prioritising expensive weddings over preparing for strong unions, reminding couples that true commitment goes beyond ceremony.

“You should understand that building a home is more important than spending all your resources on a wedding,” she said. “Couples need to ask themselves important questions: Are we getting married out of genuine love, or because of societal and family pressure? Are we marrying because of a pregnancy? Is it driven by financial expectations? We must deeply reflect on the true reasons for marriage.”

She further encouraged young leaders to safeguard Rwanda’s achievements and build on the foundation laid by earlier generations.

“Some people still think Rwanda’s progress is God’s miracles, but God also helps those who help themselves,” she remarked. “Build on their legacy and fulfill your responsibilities, both in your families and in your workplaces, so that you can realise the dreams of those who came before you.”

On parental responsibility, Mrs. Kagame stressed that the most valuable inheritance parents can leave their children is not wealth, but a life of example, guidance, wisdom, patience, and love.

“Let us continue to build wholesome homes, so that Rwanda will be wholesome too. Let us pass down to our children the heritage of love and sacrifice, for in that heritage lies the accomplishment of a future we are all determined to attain,” she said.

She also underlined the importance of shared responsibility between spouses, urging couples to embrace mutual understanding, support, and open communication in navigating the challenges of parenting and family life.

Adding to her message, preacher Didier Habimana reminded the audience that families are the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation. Referring to biblical teachings, he said:

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever,” quoting 1 Timothy 5:8. He also cited Proverbs 13:22, saying that a good inheritance is not only about money, houses, or land, but about leaving behind a secure and strong family. “That is the greatest legacy you can pass on to your loved ones.”