As Rwanda prepares to celebrate Heroes’ Day, on February 1, a lecture was held today at the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK), focusing on national heroes and the significance of heroism.
The event, organized by the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders, and Decorations of Honor (CHENO), was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of ICK, Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana, along with ICK staff and students from various faculties.
During the lecture, participants were reminded that heroism has been a valued principle across different cultures and societies throughout history. It was emphasized that every community identifies its own heroes and has its unique way of honoring them. However, certain characteristics of heroism are universal, while others are specific to individual communities or nations.
In Rwanda, heroic acts have been evident not only during the pre-colonial era but also during the colonial period, after independence, and notably after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Students, educators, and leaders at ICK were informed that the liberation struggle is one of the key periods that showcased exceptional acts of heroism by Rwandans. The struggle reflected a deep love for the country, unity, sacrifice, wisdom, and foresight, core values of Rwandan culture.
The lecture also highlighted that following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the Rwandan government established policies to promote a culture of heroism and national unity, focusing on the profound transformation aimed at correcting the divisive and discriminatory ideologies that prevailed during the colonial era and in the First and Second Republics.
In his address, ICK VC, Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana, encouraged students to carefully choose their path in life if they wish to embody the values of heroism.
He stressed that heroism is attainable at any level, provided one excels in fulfilling the expectations of their role.
He stated, “To be a hero at your level, first and foremost, is about making the right choices.” He further elaborated that all those recognized as national heroes achieved this status by making decisions that benefited others.
He continued, “Those elevated to heroism did not act for personal gain. They understood that the best way to live is by contributing to society, even if it means sacrificing your own life for the welfare of others.”
Father Dushimimana further emphasized, “If you wish to be a hero, it’s about making wise choices. And making wise choices means doing your job well but, most importantly, choosing actions that you know will benefit others, whether in what you study or what you eventually do.”
Some students shared their reflections after the lecture. Vital Niyomukiza, a second-year student in the Program of Midwifery, explained that he learned that heroism is not only about fighting in wars, but that anyone can be a hero today.
He remarked, “What I’ve gained from this lecture is that being a hero doesn’t only mean fighting in wars. Wherever you are, you can set a positive example for others. Whether you’re a teacher, a doctor, or even a farmer providing for the people of Rwanda, those are also acts of heroism.”
He added, “I believe that as young people, we should focus on one key idea: in whatever we do, we can serve as a positive example to our peers, promoting peace and unity. We should treat others as we treat ourselves.”
David Ishimwe, a first-year student in the History and Geography Department, noted that making wise decisions is what truly leads to heroism.
He added, “The most important lesson I’ve learned is that no one is a hero while they are still alive. What is required is to live a life of good deeds, so that even after we are gone, people will remember us as heroes.”
Currently, Rwanda recognizes three categories of heroes: Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi.
