Children who attended the event came from 30 districts representing others in their regions. They were given time to play different games and have fun with their friends.

The event included talent shows where children showcased songs, poetry and pastoral poetry which showed that the Rwandan culture is ingrained even in the youth.

The performances focused on demonstrating the strides the Government of Rwanda has taken to promote the youth and the role of good leadership in the development of the country.

The children representatives gave speeches, beseeching others to have patriotism and preserve what has already been achieved by the country.

12-year-old Musoni Rugwiro Brillant advised his peers to develop a reading and writing culture because it is the root of knowledge. Earlier this year, Rugwiro participated in the National English Competitions where he emerged winner in the South Province.

“I achieved all this because I love reading and I believe in myself that I can achieve great things. I also listen to my parents’ advice and pray a lot because God comes above all else.”

Rugwiro who attends New Vision Primary School in Huye won second place in English competitions that took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

He thanked the Government of Rwanda for establishing libraries and urged government representatives at the ceremony to provide more facilities to promote the reading culture.

During the ceremony, 10-year-old Rukundo Yasri who repaired a faulty WASAC pipe in Kigarama Sector, Kicukiro District also gave testimony of what compelled him to act in the way he did.

In 2017, Rukundo was pictured mending a faulty water pipe as he was accompanying his little brother to school.

“When I saw the leaking pipe, I remembered my dad telling me that I needed to mend everything that I saw was broken. While I was repairing it, a passerby took pictures of me and shared them on social media. Even if I did not do what I did for recognition, I was rewarded Rwf 1 million and a bicycle.”

He advises other children to preserve the infrastructures already in place.

Among the children who showcased their talent was 11-year-old Ishimwe Pacifique with the stage name ‘Gaso G’. He was a street kid who was later adopted by a foster family. In his songs, ‘Shine’, ‘Humura’ and ‘Family Time’, he talked about the need to protect children as they are the future of the country.

Towards the end of each year, First Lady Jeannette Kagame hosts children from around the country to wish and celebrate with them the festive season. After cutting the cake, the First Lady offered gifts to the children including backpacks, school materials, books and balls for use during the new academic year.

The children who attend the ceremony are selected according to their performance in school as well as those who come from disadvantaged families and handicapped children. During the ceremony, they also met with Imbuto Foundation officials and Unity Club Intwararumuri, an organization made up of former and current cabinet members and their spouses.

The ceremony was held at Village Urugwiro on Sunday

Children were given time to play different games and have fun with their friends.

Children who attended the event came from 30 districts representing others in their regions.

The First Lady, Jeannette Kagame has hosted and celebrated Christmas and New Year 2020 with more than 200 children from across the country.

After cutting the cake, the First Lady offered gifts to the children including backpacks, school materials, books and balls for use during the new academic year.