Parents in Rubavu District say they are ready to play their part in helping their children develop the talents they have discovered. This was announced at the closing of the Colonie de Vacances program, organized by Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle, which this year brought together more than 700 children during the long school holidays.
For 20 days, children from different parts of Rubavu District came together under the Colonie de Vacances program, designed to keep them constructively engaged during the holidays. Alongside values-based lessons, the program also helped children discover the talents they carry within them.
Parents came to see for themselves how their children were showcasing their talents. Several admitted that when they first sent their children to the program, they didn't fully understand what their children stood to gain from it but now, they say, they appreciate the results.
Mujawumana Ziada said: "They told me that here at Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle, children come with different talents. At first I was hesitant, but once I looked closely at what they do, I found it to be good it protects them from bad habits and from idleness, so I let them go."
Children Showed Off Their Skills in Traditional Dance
Ntirivamunda Pascal, whose child discovered a talent for traditional dance, said: "What I see is that this has helped children during this holiday period and kept them from wandering aimlessly. I went and watched for myself, and I found it to be a good thing. This program was put in place, and I truly appreciate it I even saw games they played that impressed me."
Parents went on to say that they too intend to play an active role, so that the talents their children have shown can continue to grow talents that, they noted, could even become a source of income in the future.
Ziada added: "We are ready to help by giving them the freedom to come and take part in these activities during the holidays, and even when they're home from school if they have free time and tell me they're going to their activity, I'll give them that freedom, and I'll give them the chance for those talents to keep developing."
Sports Talents Were Also Nurtured
Pascal also shared: "He used to tell me he was going to dance, and I didn't even know he could dance. But I found out he's a champion among champions it really impressed me. I don't know if I'll find something to reward him with, but I have to help him keep going with this, because I've seen he's not looking back."
The coordinator of the National Youth Council in Rubavu District, Ngoga Kalisa Deo, noted that supporting children during the holidays is valuable particularly because, as a border district, it helps protect young people from crossing into neighboring countries through irregular means.
He said: "Especially in a border district like this one, young people can often end up using irregular routes, or engaging in inappropriate activities, and sometimes this shows up in aimless, idle behavior. Having partners who play a role in supporting national and district leadership to look after this youth is truly valuable."
He also spoke about the importance of identifying young people's talents early: "When it comes to youth talent, as far as we know, there is no one without a talent. But a person's talent only truly benefits them once they are helped to find direction, understand their talent, and start putting it to use while they are still young."
Everyone Was Helped to Discover Their Talent — Some Found Theirs in the Arts
The Director of Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle, Brother Vital Ringuyeneza, asked the children who completed Colonie de Vacances to carry good conduct with them as they return to school, and to continue developing the talents they have discovered.
He said: "When you get to school, will you put to good use the talents you've discovered? Yes? Secondly, we ask you to continue showing good conduct. Everyone has these talents go to school and you'll find some who dance, some who play football, some who do karate. Keep practicing, and it will sustain you."
He assured the children and young people that Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle will continue to support them throughout every holiday period. "As Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle, whenever you are on holiday, come and join us here, and we will continue to support you."
Colonie de Vacances takes place every year during the holidays that mark the end of the school year, helping participants discover their talents across a range of categories including football, basketball, arts and crafts, traditional and modern dance, poetry and theater, physical exercise, and martial arts and combat sports. In Rubavu District alone, more than 700 children took part this year.
