The camp, which concluded on August 22, is an annual programme launched in 2022 by Uwineza Iman Josiane, popularly known as Miss Jojo. The initiative was inspired by an experience she had at a wedding, where she learned that a 20-year-old bride was marrying a man she barely knew after meeting him fewer than three times.
The camp was held at Nyamata High School, where participants received sessions on self-awareness, personal development, reproductive health and mental health.
The girls were also encouraged to be confident and assertive, including knowing when to say 'no'. This year's programme also included lessons on Rwanda's history, particularly the liberation struggle and efforts to stop the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, culminating in an educational visit to the Campaign Against Genocide Museum in Gishushu.
The closing event was attended by the participants' parents, local government officials, representatives of Imbuto Foundation and the Ministry of Youth, among others.
Miss Jojo thanked parents for trusting the programme and allowing their children to participate, reflecting on the initiative's journey over the past five years. She said the organisers continue to follow up on participants for at least a year after they complete the camp.
'We continue to engage with them even after the camp, providing ways for them to reach us and following up to see whether they are putting the positive plans they made into practice,' she said.
Beyond mentoring the girls, Miss Jojo said the programme also engages parents, creating opportunities for both sides to share information and perspectives that can help them better understand the challenges facing young people.
Yvette Imanishimwe, the Vice Mayor of Bugesera District in charge of Social Affairs and the guest of honour, said initiatives such as Igikari demonstrate the opportunities created by Rwanda's governance to support the development of girls. She commended First Lady Jeannette Kagame for her continued efforts to promote girls' education and well-being.
'Igikari Events is an opportunity that we should make the most of to address the challenges facing girls,' she remarked.
Imanishimwe encouraged the participants to take an active role in addressing challenges affecting adolescent girls and to share the lessons they gained from the camp with their peers and communities.
She also urged parents to reflect on their role as role models and ensure they are creating an environment that enables their children to thrive.
The vice mayor called on the girls to uphold good morals and behaviour, avoid drugs and resist social influences that undermine Rwanda's cultural values. She also encouraged them to speak Kinyarwanda properly and to be mindful of their appearance and dress.
Jean Pierre, an official in charge of youth at the Ministry of Youth and Arts, commended the facilitators and pledged the ministry's support in addressing challenges facing adolescent girls, including mental health issues and gender-based violence.
He noted concerns over the rise in teenage pregnancies, saying the rate had increased from 5 percent to 8 percent.
Jean Pierre also thanked First Lady Jeannette Kagame for recently inaugurating the Imbuto Hub in Bugesera District, a facility aimed at nurturing talent and supporting youth-focused initiatives.
He encouraged Igikari to work with youth centres across the country and establish partnerships that could help expand the programme and reach more young people.
Parents who attended the closing event praised Miss Jojo and her team for the initiative and pledged their continued support. Some called for the programme to be expanded to reach boys and more children across different parts of the country, saying it provides young people with guidance and helps keep them engaged during school holidays.
Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/miss-jojos-igikari-holiday-camp-empowers-over-300-rwandan-girls/
