the diary of isonga
DESCRIPTION
Story Line of our amazing fives days in Belgium learning about our culture, sharing our stories, recovering the Past and Owning the futur.TRANSCRIPT
ISONGA PROMOTION
PRESS KIT
ITORERO BELGIUM
Compiled by J.N. Pierre & S.I. Kamuhinda
14/10/2010
Written by: I. Casman, S. Mpendo, M. I. Royer, M. Rugwizangoga, R. Sebashongero Photos of: J. Bryon, O. U. Rutazibwa, A. Karegire Logo: G. R. Vande weghe
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 2
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 3
News - Itorero 2010- Isonga Pormotion:
"roots, renaissance and pioneer"
From the 1st to the 5th September, around 80 young girls and boys from the United Kingdom,
Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, France and Belgium gathered to attend to the first ever Itorero
in Europe. The average age was 24 years old, but only young Rwandans aged above 18 years old
were allowed to participate. The Itorero 2010 was a project of the Rwandan Embassy and the
Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium.
Three different activities were proposed every day. The first activity started with sport at dawn.
Jogging in the woods while chanting Rwandan songs, refreshed the participants for the upcoming
journey. Urban golf, basketball, football and volleyball were also offered. The second activity was
formed by a series of conferences and debates, where the concept of Itorero, Vision 2020, social
cohesion and the role of youth within the Diaspora was presented by experts and followed by a serie
of questions from the participants. His Excellency Gérard Ntwari, Ambassador of Rwanda in Belgium,
William Ntidendereza, Vice Chairman of Itorero and Alphonse Nkuranga, Executive Secretary of
National Youth Council were among the speakers. In the third activity, we had cultural workshops to
learn Kinyarwanda, dance and theatre. Renowned Rwandan artists such as Muyango, Atome and
Hervé Twahirwa were the teachers during those workshops.
The highlights of the Itorero were the intergenerational informal discussions, networking with young
achievers, igitaramo and a guessing game about Rwandan heroes. At the end of Itorero, the
participants chose the following words to describe their experience and expectations: roots,
renaissance and pioneer. Therefore, the overall name of the 10 different groups (Inganji,
Ingorabahizi, Izogeye, Inyamibwa, Ingenzi, Inganzo, Imena, Imanzi, Indahemuka, Indatwa) within the
Itorero 2010 has been identified as Isonga.
We want to build upon the success of the Itorero 2010 in Europe to further foster our common
Rwandan values of fraternity, excellence and loyalty. DVDs and other publications related to the
Isonga promotion are coming soon!
Joël Ndoli Pierre - Communication & Information Officer - Embassy of Rwanda in Belgium
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 4
Which community of values after a genocide?
Democracy supposes a community of values (i.e. demos in Greek).
Our Rwandan culture was filled with shared values, which were
transmitted among other forms in the “Insigamigani”, where the last
sentence ended with “Rubanda ica umugani”. This Rubanda (the people of
Rwanda) is now a society that has committed and endured a genocide,
which is diametrically contrary to a community of values.
During the Itorero 2010 in Belgium, we had an important workshop on social cohesion, values, anti-
values and genocide. We had an elderly man who talked about the values of ancient Rwanda, where
everyone exercised public service through hospitality and solidarity with the conscience of a common
cause (ishyaka).
Milan Kundera, once warned against historical narratives saying that: ‘in the sunset of dissolution,
everything is illuminated by the aura of nostalgia, even the guillotine’. However, the past of Rwanda
reveals certainly a sui-generis common culture. This is the truth, our ancestors held to be self-
evident: the legitimacy of a nation called Rwanda. So legitimate, that God Himself comes to rest in
Rwanda every night, (Imana yirirwa ahandi, igataha i Rwanda).
This truth went through fire without burning, but this fire left deep scars and inconsolable sorrow.
The pain we have endured reminds us of the value of unity. In a country, where we share everything
(culture, language, living areas) divisionism leaves us with nothing.
Challenging the old man’s narrative, a young participant of Itorero 2010 asked why our forefathers
were colonized. There are a number of reasons that have been provided by researchers and
witnesses. The old man told us how the institution of Itorero was abolished by the colonial power,
despite its vocation to foster social cohesion. A more progressive view is provided by President Paul
Kagame: we were and remain poor. Poverty is what has undermined our right of self-determination.
This would explain why, the value of hard work is now enshrined in our coat of arms. Usually the
notion of work has a bad connotation in Rwanda. During colonial time, hard work was associated
with “ikiboko” and constraint, while during the genocide work was an euphemism for massacres.
Today hard work explains the Rwandan Renaissance, which is relying on Made in Rwanda solutions
such as ‘’Imigihigo, Gacaca, Ubudehe, Giri Inka’’ etc. This strive to develop can be summarized by the
legendary “kwanga kurutwa”, Rwandans hold dear. As Karori Kayigana recently demonstrated, the
value of work is also deeply rooted in our culture. Indeed, we could not have had such an old nation
without hard working devotion.
Speaking about the pre-colonial South-African culture, Nelson Mandela said in a trial during the
Apartheid regime: “There was much in such a society that was primitive and insecure and it certainly
could never measure up to the demands of the present epoch. But in such a society are contained
the seeds of revolutionary democracy in which none will be held in slavery or servitude, and in which
poverty, want, and insecurity shall be no more”.
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 5
If a genocide survivor can share with a genocide perpetrator the same country, if a young men born
in Kinshasa or Kampala died in the liberation struggle for a country he did not know, is there a more
powerful evidence of the faith Rwandans have in their Nation State?
Which community of values after genocide? Itorero is one of the best institutions our culture
provides to share and debate about the values of our identity as Rwandans. During the first Itorero
ever to be held in Europe, youth from all European countries gathered together to celebrate this
identity. Because Rwanda revealed to be a driving force in their life, a Rwanda reconciled with herself
is an African dream we, the Isonga Promotion, are proud to take ownership of.
Serge Indemarugamba Kamuhinda is a member of WAF (@wakening abilities for the future), that has
co-organized the Itorero 2010.
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 6
A Journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single
step…
The First Itorero of the Rwandan Youth
in Europe
presents
The diary Of Isonga
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 7
Day 1: “Twagiye”
It is the 1st September 2010, about 2pm and the sun is shining
high in this autumn sky of Brussels. It seems that the spirit of
Rwagasabo is in the air around us. We are young Rwandans from
Belgium, France, the UK, Netherlands and Switzerland. For now,
the Ishyaka crew is in charge of the organization.
We can’t deny feeling a little bit of apprehension …and a lot of excitement. How are these days going
to be? What are we going to experience? And most of all, is the program going to fulfil our
expectations?
Well, we don´t have that much time to go over those questions as we
are already reaching the estate where we will be staying: it is
called “La Foresta” and located 30 km away from Brussels, close to
Leuven.
We drop our bags, visit our rooms and gather in the Conference Hall for the first meeting. The
organizers welcome us officially, and declare the first Itorero of the Rwandan youth in Europe open.
Joël Ndoli Pierre, one of our Ishyaka mentors and Communication
Officer (Rwanda Embassy in Belgium), gives us a detailed outline about
the 5 days program.The participants are then divided into 10 teams;
each team carrying a special and meaningful name:
Inganji the victorious
Indatwa the ones we are proud to showcase
Imanzi the first ones
Indahemuka the ones who never disappoint
Ingorabahizi the ones who achieve the most difficult tasks
Imena the ones that lead and precede the other in the struggle
Inganzo the ones that inspire
Izogeye the famous ones
Inyamibwa the best
Ingenzi the ones you can count on
Team leaders are chosen and the meeting ends with the well-known “tuzarwubaka”, popular
Rwandan song celebrating the beauty of Rwanda and the strong will of Rwandan men and women to
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 8
build a better and prosperous future. The seeds are sown, the journey of Isonga can now start….
Day 2: “Know your past, understand your
present.
Whistles blowing and voices screaming in
the corridor: "Wake up! 15min to get ready
and stand outside on the soccer field! Wake
up!"
It is 6am, time for a morning jog. We start by
some stretching exercises coached by Idrissa Murangwa. You can still see some sleepy faces, but
there is no time to feel sorry for ourselves, on to the woods!
Lead by Joël, Serge, Claude, Atome and Kagabo…The latter is joining us in his tracksuit AND his
camera in his hands!! We spend the next hour and a half of running through the woods, singing
different songs along with the staff: 'Je t'aimé, je t'aimé, Mariaaaaa...', 'Amazi, amazi, amazi...' and
many others.
The ones who are slacking behind the group are pushed by
Hervé and Stephane.
Stopping is not an option. “Yes we Can!”The end of the
morning jog is followed by another quick stretch before
singing the national anthem. When the last words are sung,
we’re eagerly waiting for delivery: 'Ok, shower and breakfast.
We’re meeting in the conference room at 9.30 am.
Our first meeting was about the history and the meaning of Itorero. Two hours in the heart of
Rwanda. We had the pleasure of listenning to Mr Kaliningondo, a real living museum. At 80 years
old, he is one of the last generations of “Intore” who participated in the real Itorero before they were
eliminated by the Belgium colonial power...a witness of time! His testimony enabled us to really
picture what it meant to be an “intore” in the ancient kingdom of Rwanda. In a “history class” can
you really ask for more? Priceless!
So now, the very first questions are answered. Why are we here? What does the whole concept of
“Itorero” really mean? Why is it so important for us to know and understand our traditions? Why is it
important to share about our customs, our values and social organisation? We understand what
values were the underlying fundamental of the Rwandan nation. How they were ensuring our
cohesion and unity. And how today more than ever, despite the division and crises we endured, they
still define us as a people, the people of Rwanda.
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 9
These highly enlightening hours were followed by different
workshops. Choice was to bemade between Kinyarwanda
classes, dance or drama trainings. Saying that these were
really a lot of fun would be an understatement... Much
thanks to Atome for his amazing drama lessons!
The second meeting was about the genocide, its genesis and consequences.
Dr. Mukimbiri, Communication Officer - Rwanda Embassy in France, shared his studies with us and
detailed briefly the mechanisms behind such crimes against humanity. It was also the opportunity to
see how groundless, in the case of Rwanda, the division was.
At the same time, the Itorero spirit was teaching us
the power of our culture, and its role in building,
preserving and consolidating our national unity.
All in all, the second day was a hectic one!
We were so involved in the discussions that some
meetings lasted longer than planned. We wanted to
hear more, learn more, discuss and argue more.
Breaks had to be postponed or simply cancelled. But
as true Intore's-to-be, you didn't hear us complain!
Later during the day, a golf class was organised outside on the soccer field by Oscar Karekezi, an
event organiser, for those who wanted. At the same time a workshop about employment was held
inside. Stephane Kageruka, a manager recruiter, gave us useful tips about jobs interview process.
Norbert Nsabimana , a personal development coach and entrepeneur, shared with us his successful
professional experience in the “business world”.
After a well deserved and anticipated dinner, one last meeting was held with Guido Huysmans and
Convents who talked about the history of cinema in Rwanda and the film festival Hillywood! Aimable
Karirima also talked about his new documentary on Muyango n'Imitari.
It was finally time to call it a day. But before heading to our rooms, we all had to make a “mandatory
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 10
stop” by the living room where we could all relax and talk about the amazing day we had!
Lesson learned: Know your past in order for you to understand your present and design your future.
Day 3: “We are the future”
Here comes the third day! 6 am sharp, once again: “Time to wake up!! You have 15 minutes to meet
us downstairs!”
This time the Ishyaka crew supervising us has decided to be stricter: at 6.15 sharp, the latecomers are
asked to go on the side and do push-ups, the same treatment is applied to all the team leaders
whose teams were not completely on time! As a result, half of the participants ended up starting the
day with a couple of push-ups, but still with a big smile on their faces, of course!
We are now used to the running rhythm and everything seems to go perfectly during this morning
“muchaka muchaka”. The troop’s morale is higher than ever!
After a quick shower and a hearty breakfast, we are back to the conference room. It’s only the
beginning of the day- around 9.30 am- but most of the participants feel like taking a brief nap;
probably a boomerang effect of the morning push-up.
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 11
However, this general state does not last long: Muyango accompanied by his son Loïc introduced the
song he specially dedicated to us! “Ni murambe”. It did not take us more than a few seconds to start
singing heartily the following chorus:
“Ayiyeeeeeeee, ramba (2)
Twabareze neza byakijyambere
Kubaho n’ukubana, nimurambe
U Rwanda rwacu rwateye imbere”
It is in this lively atmosphere that the first presentation started. Mr Musare, first Counselor of the
Rwanda Embassy in Belgium, outlined the origin, aim and main pillars of the vision 2020. A discussion
was opened and everyone had the opportunity to comment and share his/her own meaning of the
vision 2020.
Before ending the meeting, each team received a specific point of the vision- Good Governance,
Leadership, Human resource, private sectors, infrastructure development, to name a few- and had
the assignment to discuss and debate about them for the future.
It was then time for each one of us to join the workshop of his/her choice; as said earlier:
Kinyarwanda, dance or drama.
After lunch, His Excellency Gérard Ntwari, Ambassador of Rwanda in Belgium, was given the floor to
talk about the various missions of the Embassy and the role to be played by the Rwandan in the
Diaspora.
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 12
The Ambassador’s speech was followed by an exhaustive presentation about
the WAF (@Wakening Abilities for the Future), an association of young
Rwandans co-organising the Itorero Belgium 2010. The presentation was
given by Oria Vande weghe, PR, and Olivier Mullens, President. WAF is a
network, to awaken and connect professional skills among young Rwandans
in the Diaspora.
After a short break, we
came back to the
conference room to listen
to a panel discussion made
of witnesses of Rwanda's renaissance: Former
Ambassador to the UN, Manzi Bakuramutsa,
leader of Avega Agahozo, Sylvie Gwira, a former
aid to the president, Faustin Musare and Antoine
Rutagwera, a leader of the Diaspora in Belgium.
This highlighted the intergenerational dialogue of
the Itorero.
The second discussion panel was made of “young achievers” living in Belgium: Soraya M.
Hakuziramye (Financial Sector), Olivia U. Rutazibwa ( Political Scientist and Journalist), Hervé
Twahirwa ( Arts - Music), Diogène Ntarindwa (Arts - Theatre), Norbert Nsabimana (Entrepeneur -
Human Ressources) and Innocent Kimenyi (
Entrepreneur - Ecological Sector). It was a
truly inspiring moment for each one of us. In fact,
we could all relate to at least one of the
achievement stories. It felt like we were personally
challenged to look inside ourselves for our
strongest assets and develop them not only for
our own sake but also for the others. All the
participants’ wish at the end of the discussion
was to take part in such a panel one day and also “aspire to inspire”.
After the discussions, it was already dinner time before we could relax a little bit while anticipating
the moment when we would all gather in the living room to listen to Atome. We had a wonderful
opportunity to watch parts of his play “Carte d’identité” and in between each set he would take the
time to explain the genesis of his project, the motives behind his art and the importance of the duty
to remember… With professionalism and generosity he managed to give us the best of his art and we
can only thank him, from the bottom of our heart.
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 13
The third day then ended on a festive note; participants had the time to share a drink , play cards or
discuss with the Ishyaka crew… a great time before going to bed!
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 14
Day 4: “Together we are stronger”
And then comes the day we have heard so much about… It is 9am and no jogging plan. Instead 20
minutes of muchaka muchaka on the soccer field lead by our dear Kagabo. We line up behind our
team leaders, the “BIG Game” is about to start.
Joel holds a loudspeaker, Loic “the master of the game” does not have any but we still get the rules
explained. It’s a “2010” version of the traditional “sakwe sakwe”. Enigma must be solved and all
answers are related to the themes discussed during the 3 past days.
The “treasure hunt” starts: observation, attention, reflexion, team spirit, strategy all our senses are in
actions! 4 hours of pure adrenaline….Ingenzi is the first team to solve all the enigmas but the
competition is still on.
It’s now 2 pm, we have had lunch an hour ago, so it
is now time for the battles! Basketball, soccer and
dance competitons are organised. Here more than
scoring, it is all about cohesion, solidarity, fair play
spirit and creativity….
The dance competition was one of the
strongest moments of this memorable day.
The sky is crystal clear, Muyango sings and
we perform.
One after the other we hit the “dancefloor”
on “Abo mubona n'Inganzo” , “mpore
mpore” and our dedicated “Twabareze
neza”.. It was a strong moment of
communion. Those who were not
performing were clapping “amashyi amashyi!” or accompanying Muyango in the chorus when they
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 15
knew the lyrics. We might not have the best techniques
and steps, but we were dancing with our hearts, and our
spirit. The Itorero football team won a game against the
"Intare team" from Brussels. At the same time, a basket
ball tournament was taking place during which the
participants from Switzerland run the show.
However, all good things come to an end…the results of the game will be given tomorrow, during the
closing ceremony. We are going to be evaluated not only on our performance, but also on our team
spirit, fair play and ingenuity.
One hour break for a small rest and a refreshing shower, its 7pm and we have got to be
“fresh&clean” before the barbecue starts…
Next on the programme of this Saturday is the “Igataramo”! Short before 9pm, Oria gathers all the
girls and gives each one of them the “Imishana” she brought from Brussels, the boys receive their
“Imikenyero” as well. It is dressed up in these wonderful traditional costumes that we all sat in the
Conference hall.
Like it used to be in such Igitaramo in Rwanda, songs and dances follow. Space was given to each to
express his talent and aptitude. We hardly want to believe it, but tomorrow is our Last day in
“ITORERO”.
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 16
Igitaramo:
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 17
Day 5: “It is not end, it is only the beginning”
We wake up with pain in our hearts, tears that start to shed... The last day has arrived. Each of us is
going their own separate ways, back to the normal life and daily routine.
Friendships and ties have been made and these
bonds between all the Intore participants, although
very new, are already unbreakable. These five days
had something very special, something very unique
and we are all aware of it.
We start the day with the very last wake up call, this
time its 10 o'clock. Even the “wake up” call will be
missed dearly. We shower, get dressed and have
breakfast.
After breakfast we all meet up one last time to discuss these past days and brainstorm per group on
how we can improve and adjust the Itorero. What are the “Imihigo” (Challenges) for the coming
edition.
Some of the suggestions were:
- To have more hours of Kinyarwanda and a sort of method like “Kinyarwanda as a foreign language”
especially for those of us with few language knowledge.
- To have one project in Rwanda where all Itorero-participants would give a hand.
- An Itorero of two weeks...
After that each group was assigned an area to clean up and put in order. This was not a problem,
everybody was happy to do so. Then came the time to pack our belongings and
drop them in the conference room before having lunch.
In the beginning of the afternoon, we welcomed the parents, friends and everyone who wanted to
congratulate us for becoming Intores!
The results of the game were given out, Ingenzi team won the competition, directly followed by
Imena praised for their discipline and fair play spirit, of course no one was forgotten in the
congratulations. The “BIG GAME” was not about “winning”, it was more about “learning”, “sharing”
and “taking part”. Two lucky Intores won plane tickets to Kigali during the tombola.
And then we were finally baptised! “ISONGA” meaning “the ones who leads”. This name came out of
a meeting among team leaders who indentified three words to describe our promotion: Roots,
Renaissance and Pioneers.
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 18
Of course, we had to end this amazing event with a couple of dance and singing performances. The
Isonga girls performed and were so beautiful doing so. The Isonga boys performed as well... Looking
around you could only see LOVE on every face.
Love for our country, love for one another, love for our parents, love for our elders, love for our
culture! It was an amazing moment, which honestly, made us all quite emotional.
5 days were not enough but it was a real success.
Big thanks to the Ishyaka Crew Joël Ndoli Pierre, Oria K. Vande weghe, Serge I. Kamuhinda , Stephane
kageruka, Théophile Kagabo, Atome Ntarindwa Diogène, Robert Kano, Hervé Twahirwa, Freddy
Gashonga, Olivier Mullens, Idrissa Murangwa, Claude Birasa, Robert Murenzi and Loïc I. Muyango for
making this all real...Your initiave, action and dedication will surely inspire many others because
“When small men decided to cast big shadow , it means that the sun is about to set” Lyn Yiutang .
This was truly one of the best times of our lives!
~~~Isonga Oyée!!~~Ijabo riduhe Ijambo!
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 19
Written by:
Rachel Sebashongero , Stockholm, Sweden
Michaella Rugwizangoga,Kaiserslautern,Germany
Iliza Casman, Anvers ( Flanders), Belgium
Photos of:
Olivia U. Rutazibwa, Anvers ( Flanders), Belgium
Jessica Bryon, Brussels, Belgium
Alain Karegire, Brussels, Belgium
Rachel, Michaella and Olivia Iliza
Presse Kit - Itorero 2010 Belgium - Isonga Promotion Page 20
Isonga's Testimonies
Just under a month ago I attended the first « European Itorero » which was held in the North of
Belgium. It brought together Rwandan youth living in the Diaspora in different countries such as
Belgium, the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, etc.
Although I was one of the youngest participants, I by no means regret being a part of this experience
as it was very rewarding and I learnt so much.
I’ve appreciated the multi-cultural aspect of Itorero : because although most of the people who were
there came because they were Rwandans, we all came from very different backgrounds, according to
the places we grew up in, we did not all speak Kinyarwanda, neither did we all speak French as we
also had some participants from the UK. This language barrier however did not stop our
communication as some of us acted as intermediaries to translate, as well as being translated to.
I also enjoyed the program that was very diverse. In fact, Itorero proposed sports activities, as well as
conferences that allowed us to understand our History better and cultural workshops such as the
theatre that was supervised by the comedian Atome…
I really enjoyed Itorero as it also helped me to meet and stay connected to other Rwandan youth I
had never met, first of all within Belgium but also from the UK and France…
Marie Royer Ingabire
I really enjoyed the whole Itorero experience! This ranged from the informative conferences with
great speakers, the traditional activities such as Kinyarwanda dancing to early sports activities.
It was a great privilege for me to be able to connect with other Rwandan youth in the European
Diaspora as we had strong similarities and unique diverse differences.
Coming from an Anglophone background did not prevent me from enjoying myself as all Insongean's
were very friendly and welcoming.
I believe that programmes such as Itorero are very beneficial to us as individual Rwandan youth who
are the future of our Rwanda tomorrow.
It helps unite us on the basis of being Rwandan to help us achieve and build on ideas to develop our
motherland, drawing on our diverse experiences from our different Diasporas.
I look forward to being a part of the next Itorero!
"Ijabo Riduhe Ijambo"
Samson