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By Christophe Uwizeyimana
BEIJING — Rwandans living and studying in Beijing have reaffirmed their commitment to patriotism and to contributing to Rwanda’s national development, as community leaders and diplomatic representatives called on students to make the most of their education and uphold the country’s values while abroad.
The commitment was reinforced through a series of community activities held on October 4 and 6, 2026, during China’s National Day holiday period. The events brought together newly arrived students, members of the Rwandan community with longer experience in China and representatives of the Embassy of Rwanda.https://x.com/RwandaInChina/status/2107813482376863841?s=20
The programme combined cultural activities, discussions, sports and networking, creating opportunities for community members to strengthen their bonds while reflecting on their responsibilities as Rwandans living and studying abroad. At the centre of the discussions was a shared message: education in China should translate into knowledge, skills, experience and networks that can contribute to Rwanda’s development.
Reconnecting with the spirit of Itorero
On October 4, members of the Rwandan community gathered at the Embassy of Rwanda in Beijing to explore ways of recreating the spirit of Itorero Nyarwanda within the community. The initiative sought to strengthen Rwandan identity and create a platform where community members could reflect on patriotism, national responsibility, unity and the values that guide Rwandans at home and abroad.
Addressing the gathering, Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, H.E. Emmanuel Karenzi Karake, highlighted patriotism, national pride, integrity, responsibility and accountability as important qualities for Rwandans living outside the country.
He urged community members to ensure that their conduct reflects the values associated with Rwanda, particularly as the country continues to expand its international engagement. “These values should continue to define Rwandans wherever they live,” Amb. Karenzi said, noting that Rwanda’s growing international engagement means its citizens increasingly represent the country beyond its geographical borders.
For students, the message linked their academic journey directly to national responsibility. Their time in China, participants were reminded, offers an opportunity to gain expertise that can later be applied to Rwanda’s development.
Sports create space for unity and networking
The discussions at the Embassy were followed by a sports gathering on October 6 at China Agricultural University, organized by the Embassy in collaboration with the Rwandan Community in Beijing. Volleyball, basketball and other activities brought members of the community together, allowing students and established members to interact, build relationships and welcome new arrivals.
While the activities provided recreation, organizers also viewed them as an opportunity to strengthen unity within the Rwandan community and encourage mutual support among members. Rwanda’s Military Attaché to China, Col. Janvier Mujaribu, and the Embassy’s First Secretary, David Mugabo, used the occasion to reinforce the importance of patriotism, discipline, responsibility and commitment to academic excellence.
Mugabo, who oversees Rwanda Community Abroad (RCA) affairs as part of his diplomatic responsibilities, encouraged newly arrived students to remain focused on their studies and prepare themselves to make a meaningful contribution to Rwanda. “Work harder than ever to make a difference in your country, considering its history and how far it has come,” Mugabo told the students. “You are the pride of your country, and I challenge you to make a difference when you go back home upon completion of your studies.”
He also urged Rwandans in China to protect the positive image Rwanda has built among Chinese people. “Let us portray this good image of our country and watch out for and prevent anyone or any activities that can tarnish it,” he said.
Turning education into national contribution
Col. Mujaribu challenged the students to view their education in China as more than a pathway to individual career advancement. He emphasized patriotism, national pride, integrity, responsibility and accountability, encouraging students to carry these values with them throughout their academic and professional journeys.
He also highlighted Rwanda’s progress under the leadership of H.E Paul Kagame and challenged the students to consider how they could contribute to the country’s continued transformation. According to Mujaribu, opportunities provided by the Government of Rwanda for students to study in China should be regarded as an investment in the country’s future.
The value of such opportunities, he noted, extends beyond the qualifications students obtain. Their exposure to new knowledge, technologies, professional practices and networks can become valuable resources for Rwanda when they return home. His message came as Rwanda observes activities dedicated to strengthening patriotism and resilience among Rwandans at home and abroad.
Lessons from the Senior Generation
Members of the senior generation of the Rwandan diaspora in China also shared their experiences of living, studying and building careers in the country. Their advice to newly arrived students focused on discipline, academic commitment, integrity and unity.They encouraged the students to remain focused on their studies while building constructive relationships within the Rwandan community and respecting the society in which they live.
Drawing from their own experiences, they highlighted self-discipline and personal responsibility as important factors for succeeding in China. They also encouraged the younger generation to look beyond academic qualifications and consider how their experiences abroad could eventually benefit Rwanda.
For the new students, the message was that international exposure can strengthen rather than weaken their connection to home. By combining the knowledge acquired in China with an understanding of Rwanda’s needs, they can return better prepared to contribute to national development.
Community leadership commits to action
The programme concluded with the signing of performance contracts by members of the Rwanda Community Abroad (RCA) Beijing Executive Committee. RCA Beijing Chairperson Bonny Bahati said the committee remains committed to working closely with the Embassy of Rwanda to strengthen the community’s contribution to national development.
He said the committee would continue promoting Rwandan values, innovation and accountability while creating opportunities for members of the diaspora to support one another and contribute to Rwanda’s development. The activities also provided an opportunity to welcome new members and strengthen connections between students and more established members of the Rwandan community in Beijing. For the students, the message from diplomatic representatives, community leaders and members of the senior generation was consistent: the opportunity to study in China comes with a responsibility to prepare for meaningful service to Rwanda.
As Rwanda continues to strengthen its relationship with China and invest in the education of its citizens abroad, the Rwandan community in Beijing is being encouraged to turn academic opportunities into practical knowledge, professional skills, networks and experience that can support the country’s development. The October activities therefore served as more than community gatherings. They reinforced a shared commitment among Rwandans in Beijing to uphold patriotism, strengthen unity and use the opportunities available to them in China to contribute to Rwanda’s future.
Previous related story you may also read:https://theforefrontmagazine.com/rwanda-embassy-in-china-welcomes-new-rca-china-committee-members/
Photos:
Photo:Rwanda’s Military Attaché to China, Col. Janvier Mujaribu, addresses members of the Rwandan community in Beijing, urging them to embrace patriotism and national values while preparing to contribute to Rwanda’s development.
Photo:Embassy First Secretary David Mugabo addresses Rwandans in Beijing, encouraging students to pursue academic excellence and contribute to Rwanda’s development.
Photo:Rwandan community members perform traditional dance during a cultural gathering at the Embassy of Rwanda in Beijing, celebrating Rwandan culture, identity and unity.
Photo:Volleyball brings Rwandans in Beijing together for an afternoon of sport, networking and community building.
Photo:Rwandans in Beijing take part in sports activities, strengthening teamwork, unity and community spirit while building lasting connections away from home.
Photo:Rwandans in Beijing take part in a basketball game, strengthening unity, friendship and community spirit.
Photo:Rwandans in Beijing come together in a spirit of unity and belonging, creating a sense of home away from home while celebrating their shared identity and connection to Rwanda.
Photo:Members of the RCA Beijing Executive Committee sign performance contracts as they reaffirm their commitment to serving the Rwandan community and supporting Rwanda’s development.
Photo:Rwandans in Beijing pledged to remain united, embrace Rwanda’s values and contribute to the country’s continued progress.
Photo:Rwandans in Beijing committed to staying united and turning their knowledge and experience into contributions to Rwanda’s development.
