Rwanda's Friends of Africa

Baltasar Gracian stated, “True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island… to find a real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep her is a blessing”

Friends of Africa is a group of influential and prominent women who are supporters and donors whose interest is in promoting the growth, development and the wellbeing of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting movement in Africa Region.

It is a program started and ran by The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in Africa region through The Youth Exchange South to South (YESS) Movement in the participating countries.

The Friends of Africa is ran only in the Africa region. The program is being run in 9 African Countries through the Youth Exchange South to South (YESS) Movement.

The nine participating countries are; Rwanda, Kenya, Madagascar, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Burundi, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

We really need to reach more people in Africa and help girls and young women in Africa achieve their fullest potential and become responsible citizens of the world and hence the need for Friends of Africa.

In Rwanda we have met and nominated sixteen Friends of Africa as listed below:

Our first friend of Africa was Marie Immaculee Ingabire. She is a member of UN appointed committee in charge of gender based issues and also a member of board of directors of Transparency International Rwanda. “Don’t take opportunities for granted, not even the peace we enjoy should be taken for granted, take things seriously anytime anywhere”

Our second friend of Africa was Claudine Delucco Uwanyiligira. She is the Deputy Director General of Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA). Her goal is to give voice to the young people. “I am always sad when a person dies and no one knew what was inside them, their ideas, their passion and their purpose. As Africans we shouldn’t take peace for granted.”

Our third Friend of Africa was Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza, the Deputy Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS). She loves speaking to young people, mentoring and inspiring to reach their goals. “Young people in Africa are copying the western world and looking down on our own African values and culture, that mentality should be changed.”

Our fourth Friend of Africa was the Vice Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa. Ms. Monique accepted to join us and join forces in our project and her projects. “Humility and fear of God is an important tool to being a successful personality.”

Our Fifth Friend of Africa was Agnes Mukazibera, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Committee on Education, Technology, Culture and Youth. “Being able to be accountable in your societal roles and your personal life is a great leadership quality”

Our sixth Friend of Africa was Beth Murora, the Secretary General at the Republic of Rwanda Supreme Court. She loves mentoring young people. “Be courageous and follow your passions.”

Our seventh Friend of Africa was Jeanne d'Arc Gakuba, Vice President of the Senate. “Success is about having values and principles that guide your life and living by them no matter what.”

Our eighth and ninth Friend of Africa were Monique Mukarukiza, the Mayor of Kigali City and Judith Kazaire Mukaruliza , the Vice Mayor in Charge of Social Affairs. “Anyone can make it in life, you just have to be a go getter, grab opportunities that come to your way and create opportunities on fertile grounds.” Said Ms Monique.

Our tenth Friend of Africa was Henriette Umulisa, the Secretary General of Rwanda Demobilizations and Reintegration Commission (RDRC). “You should always aim at the sky, nothing is too big for anyone, it’s all achievable.”

Our Eleventh Friend of Africa was the Chief Gender Monitor, Rose Rwabuhihi. “Being Accountable is key to doing anything substantial.”

Our twelfth Friend of Africa was Mediatrice Izabiliza, Member of Parliament and the Vice Chair Person of Women Parliamentarian Forum. “Be a person of integrity and time keeper.”

Our thirteenth Friend of Africa was Amb. Fatuma Ndangiza, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) and former Ambassador of Rwanda to Tanzania. “A life of integrity and being result oriented is all one needs to keep performing anywhere no matter the challenges.”

Our fourteenth Friend of Africa was Donatha Gihana, Girl Effect Rwanda Country Director. “Believe in the power of your mind, create connections and valuable connections( Networking) and always work to see that you give back to the community the experiences and lessons of life so that other young people can learn from it.”

Our fifteenth Friend of Africa was Knowless Butera., one of the most popular artists in Rwanda. “Exploit on your talents, Pray to God and don’t be afraid of challenges.”

Our sixteenth Friend of Africa was Hon. Dr Diane Gashumba, the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion in Rwanda. “Believe in yourself and do that which makes you happy in life. Don’t concentrate on people’s critics because whether you do or fail to do, people will criticize you anyway.”

Together we are making the change we want to see in the world and consequently leading to a bigger impact into the world we live in.

Written by Olive Gakii

Member of Kenya Girl Guides Association

YESS Girls Movement particpant in Rwanda