Press Releases

Twenty-one Rwandans Travelled to U.S. for Youth Leadership Program

Eighteen Rwandan secondary school students and 3 adult educators will take part in a four-week youth leadership program in the United States.  The program, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, took place from November 24-December 20. 

The goal of the program, which was announced by former Assistant Secretary of State Dina Powell during her visit to Rwanda last March, is to increase mutual understanding between American and Rwandan youth, to develop a sense of civic responsibility and commitment to community development among youth; and to develop leadership skills among secondary school students appropriate to their needs.  While in the United States, the group will participate in leadership development programs, take part in youth-led community development initiatives, visit American high schools and interact with American students, and tour important historical and cultural sites.  The program will include visits to Washington, DC; Huntsville, Alabama; and Atlanta, Georgia.   

The participants today completed a pre-departure orientation at the U.S. Embassy designed to provide the adult escorts, students, and parents/guardians with detailed information about the program.  Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education, Joseph Murekeraho and U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda, Michael Arietti presided over the event.  In welcoming the participants and their family members, Ambassador Arietti noted that “The Governments of the United States and Rwanda enjoy a strong and rapidly growing relationship, as do the people of our two countries.  It is only natural that these ties begin to grow among the future leaders of our two countries…It is my sincere hope that you will return to Rwanda with a greater understanding of the people, culture, and history of the United States, and having established bonds of friendship with many of the Americans that you encounter.” 

Participants in the program were selected from six Rwandan secondary schools: Lycée de Kigali, Fawe Girls School, Kagarama S.S, G.S. APRED Ndera, Nyagatare S.S, and Kiziguro S.S.