The transformation from its violent past to a beacon of economic growth, social cohesion, and political stability has captivated the attention of global observers.
Recently, a group of Harvard University students visited Rwanda to learn firsthand about the country's evolution. Their reflections offer insights into Rwanda's remarkable journey and the lessons it holds for other nations.
Jordan Thomas, a fourth-year student at Yale Law School and Harvard Business School, was part of the Harvard Africa Caucus, which held the trip. As a JD-MBA dual degree student, Thomas was eager to delve into Rwanda's economic and governance structures.
"There's a lot to learn from Rwanda. Studying the economic and institutional structures from a legal standpoint has been incredibly enriching. But more than that, it's the experience of Kigali and Rwanda as a whole that has made this trip so rewarding," he said.
Schola Chioma Eburuoh, a U.S. citizen with Nigerian roots, joined the trip almost by chance but she acknowledges that this has been one of the most exceptional movements of her life.
"I wanted to experience a new place, especially East Africa. I had only visited Nigeria, Ghana, and Morocco, so Rwanda was an exciting new addition to my travels. I'm very impressed by how welcoming the people are, and the openness of the government, it feels like everyone is invited to contribute," she explained.
Monserrat Magana, a student from Mexico, was drawn to Rwanda for its ambitious post-genocide transformation. "I had heard a lot about the improvements Rwanda has made after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. As someone who enjoys nature and adventure, visiting Rwanda also gave me the opportunity to see the gorillas and experience a safari, which I had always dreamed of," she said
The beauty and community spirit of Rwanda stood out to many of the students. Magana shared, "There's a sense of unity here. People help each other in the streets, and you can see a real sense of social interaction and togetherness."
This theme of unity was echoed by Brandon Tran, a mid-career student in Public Administration from the U.S. He noted the strong social contract between the government and the people, which contributes to Rwanda's development.
Tran was especially moved by his visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. "The memorial walks you through Rwanda's history in such a complex and personal way. It shows the pre-colonial and colonial periods, the events leading up to and during the genocide, and then the incredible regeneration post-1994. It's not just about the tragedy of 1994, it's about understanding what happened before and how Rwanda has rebuilt itself," he said.
This careful and nuanced approach left a lasting impression on him. The students were equally struck by Rwanda's bold vision for the future. The government's focus on tourism and technology is shaping the country as a regional model for development.
Tran, for instance, was intrigued by Rwanda's widely perceived ambition to become the 'Singapore of Africa.' 'It's clear that the government is proactive and focused on long-term goals. Kigali's development is incredible, and the country's efforts to attract foreign direct investment are impressive," he observed.
Yuchen Ji, also known as Rain, a public policy student from Beijing, emphasized the importance of a unified vision in Rwanda's success.
"One of my biggest takeaways was the country's ability to invite different government agencies to align with a shared goal. For instance, in discussions with the Ministry of Justice, I learned how critical rule of law is for both societal development and attracting foreign investment," she noted.
The Ministry of Education's focus on developing human capital also resonated deeply with the students. As Rain explained, Rwanda's efforts to equip its citizens with both knowledge and practical skills play a crucial role in its economic development.
"This holistic approach, addressing everything from the rule of law to education, sets the country on a strong path forward," she explained.
Tunde Wey, a Nigerian fellow at the Graduate School of Design, also reflected on Rwanda's design aesthetics, which resonated with his own cultural background. "The design sensibility here is familiar to me. There's an elegance and functionality that speaks to a deep-rooted cultural understanding of space and community," he revealed.
Throughout their trip, the Harvard students came to recognize Rwanda as a country that not only acknowledges its tragic past but actively works towards a brighter future. The nation's resilience, unity, and proactive approach to governance have left a deep impression on each of them.
As they prepared to leave, the students reflected on Rwanda's incredible transformation and the lessons that other nations might take from its journey.
"Rwanda is a shining example of how a country can rebuild, not just physically, but socially and politically. The resilience of the people here and the commitment to healing and progress are truly inspiring," said Jordan.
Rwanda, once synonymous with tragedy, is now a symbol of hope and a testament to the power of unity and transformation. The students from Harvard left with a deeper understanding of the country's journey and with a renewed belief in the potential for positive change anywhere in the world.
Sam K Nkurunziza
