In a heartfelt open letter released ahead of Patriot’s Day, Her Excellency Mrs Jeannette Kagame reflected on the challenges and joys of parenting, linking the wellbeing of families directly to the future of the nation; Her message, rich with personal insight and philosophical depth, emphasizes the importance of nurturing resilience, empathy, and independence in children while connecting these values to Rwanda’s history, culture, and national identity
“To this day, it still humbles me to have been blessed with a safe country where we can all grow and build; a people united in weaving a legacy we proudly bear,” writes Her Excellency Mrs Jeannette Kagame, before turning to the intimate world of family and parenting; She highlights the preciousness of the child, describing the infant’s instinctive grip on a parent’s finger as a symbol of both vulnerability and tenacity; This image resonates deeply in Rwanda, a nation that has rebuilt itself on unity, hope, and collective responsibility
“At the heart of it all, parents are guided less by perfection than by instinct,” she writes, acknowledging the sleepless nights, silent prayers, and sacrifices that define parenthood; She stresses that parenting is less about control and more about love, guidance, and preparing children to navigate the world with confidence; Her reflections mirror the broader cultural ethos of Rwanda, where families are seen as the cornerstone of society and moral education is passed from one generation to the next
She also warns against the tendency to label children in ways that limit their potential; “Labels soothe adults, especially parents and teachers, but they inhibit and wound children,” she cautions; She urges parents and society alike to respect the individuality of each child and to resist forcing them into predefined molds of success or behavior; In Rwanda, where communal values and high societal expectations often influence upbringing, this message calls for balance between cultural pride and nurturing personal agency
She also addresses the modern pressures of education and technology, noting that metrics, rankings, and performance charts should not overshadow the development of critical thinking, creativity, and moral values; “Children must only be compared with their own best selves,” she writes, encouraging parents to nurture confidence, resilience, and independent thought rather than anxiety or fear of failure; Her words challenge contemporary parenting trends, reminding families that fostering curiosity, empathy, and ethical judgment is as essential as academic achievement
Drawing on Rwanda’s Imbuto Philosophy, she emphasizes the importance of a supportive environment; “A seed well planted, watered, nurtured and given all the necessary support successfully grows into a healthy plant; one that reaches high and stands tall;” Parenting, she insists, is not about shielding children from hardship but equipping them to face challenges with courage, empathy, and imagination; In a nation that celebrates Patriot’s Day as a reminder of resilience and national unity, her message links family values directly to the collective strength of the country
Throughout the letter, the First Lady connects the personal to the national, asserting that the wellness of families forms the foundation of a strong, united, and resilient Rwanda; “If we aspire to a generation capable of carrying the weight of a difficult world while still daring to reimagine it, then our task is simple yet profound; nurture resilience, not anxiety; curiosity, not conformity; humanity, not performance,” she writes; Her reflections encourage parents to raise children who are both responsible citizens and compassionate individuals, ready to contribute to Rwanda’s continued growth and unity
By highlighting the interplay between family life and nation-building, Mrs Kagame’s message serves as both guidance for parents and a broader reflection on Rwanda’s future; Her letter underscores the belief that raising thoughtful, resilient children is a patriotic act, shaping citizens who will carry the country forward with strength, empathy, and vision; As Rwanda celebrates Patriot’s Day, her words serve as a poignant reminder that national progress begins at home, with families cultivating the next generation of leaders
The letter is a compelling and inspiring call for parents and society alike to embrace empathy, responsibility, and hope; reminding all Rwandans that nurturing children is not merely a private duty but a public and patriotic commitment, essential to the stability, unity, and prosperity of the nation
