You have a duty and legacy to protect – Minister Bamporiki to Miss Rwanda 2022 finalists
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, Edouard Bamporiki has challenged the Miss Rwanda 2022 finalists to use their status and Miss Rwanda platform to do what the country is expected of them.
Bamporiki, who visited the Miss Rwanda 2022 Bootcamp at La Palisse Hotel Nyamata told the finalists that the fact that they made it through the pre-selection phase means that the country has already seen something in them and they should strive to be responsible citizens who already have a duty.
“You are not here by accident. You are here because you were selected. You went through a rigorous process to get here and you are here in the interests of Rwanda, not any other country,”
“I have been following some of the interviews you gave along this journey and I am happy some of you already understand the task ahead and the weight you carry on your shoulder,”
“This is a country that gives young people opportunities. It is how you conduct yourself and often proving that you understand the responsibility or duty at hand that will get you there,” Bamporiki said, citing his own example of how he became a Member of Parliament and other responsibilities as a youth.
He said that at 38, he is a cabinet member and there is nothing extraordinary he did, apart from always proving that he has something to contribute to nation building.
Minister Bamporiki told Miss Rwanda 2022 finalists that the Government of Rwanda under the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) gives everyone an opportunity, regardless of who they are or where they were born, citing his own example.
He told the contestants to put country above everything and protect the legacy of those who fought and sacrificed their lives to liberate it, some of whom were individuals as young as the finalists themselves.
“They were born in exile and denied a right to live in their country but they were united by one thing -Rwanda. You are Rwanda, you have a calling to protect Rwanda and protect the legacy of the people who fought to protect it as a nation,” Bamporiki said.
He encouraged the contestants to understand that the future of the country depends on them and it is up to them to take up the mantle.
“I can say some of us are already heading towards the exit and it is you who will take over from us. If you are coming in, the bigger responsibility to do even better than your predecessors,”
“You must work towards that and know that the country expects a lot from you. It is the responsibility you must not shun. You already have a crown which is ‘Rwanda’, before the Miss Rwanda crown,” Bamporiki said.
He encouraged them to research and learn more about their country, its history, culture and expectations in order for them to understand the legacy they inherited.
“We already have examples of great examples of women who have worked hard to protect the legacy of Rwanda, right from history and the ones alive today, who will be speaking to you,”
“I encourage you to research about these women and know how they did it, even in difficult circumstances. Today the conditions are even more favourable for you because the government has put in place all the conditions necessary for you do even more,” Bamporiki said.
Some of the legendary women he mentioned include Nyirarucyaba, Robwa Nyiramateke, Nyabunyana, Nyiraruganzu Nyirarumaga, Nyirambibi and Umutware Nyirakigwene, among others.
“You are competing for one crown in Miss Rwanda but keep in mind that after the crown you compete for other crowns you will be rewarded for serving your country. Just remember one thing, Rwanda above everything because Rwanda is better than us, Bamporiki told the finalists.
The contestants had an opportunity to interact with Minister Bamporiki and ask several questions.
