TEDx Rohero, a Burundian platform for positive dialogue has organized this Wednesday 21th August 2013 a session during which were invited some Burundians who have led the Burundian society to development thanks to their conviction, determination, passion and vision, for sharing their experiences with the youth audience-By Lorraine Josiane Manishatse
TDx Rohero Organizers©Iwacu
TEDx Rohero is the first TED event to be held in Burundi; it is a Burundian platform which aims at bringing the world new ideas and perspectives to public in order to change our life and community to a positive connotation, in brief to influence our nation.
TEDx Rohero indicates that events are organized locally and independently. It gathers people in order to share their experiences. Videos are shown and people are given opportunity to share their experiences with the audience. It is within this context that Roland Rugero, a novelist journalist, has had time to share his ideas with the participants.
For him, the important topic is Burundian Mythology History which is a set of stories talking about Burundi society.
“The majority of Burundians are limited to their native hill sector, they lack reference mythology to develop themselves,” he regrets.
In the same way, Marie Muque Kigoma tells about her experience of moving from a hospital nurse to a Fruito Company Leader. For her, determination, perseverance and passion have opened the juice Fruito Company’s doors to her.
“Good collaboration with my workers has boosted my business. In life it is more important to be honest, generous and being cooperative” she says.
She advises Burundian new generation to take part actively in redefining Burundi, loving it, working hard and honestly, and giving good example and consuming the “made in Burundi” products. “Together we will become prosperous,” she concludes.
It was a good opportunity to witness the experience of Gerard Niyondiko, a Burundian Winner of the First Prize of “Global Science Venture Competition” in United States of America in 2013, who has made mosquito soap, called “Faso Soap”.
For him, what young Burundians need more is reference. He has thought about making soap because he was inspired by his cousin who had his own traditional soap factory at home. “If I make soap today, it is because I had a vision, I shared my vision with my friend who helped me to win that prize. A vision along with good actions should change the world and Burundi in particular” he indicates.
Marguerite Barankitse, the founder and leader of “Maison Shaloom” a haven of peace for children and orphans, focuses more on conviction in her witness. For her, the stumbling-block of Burundi development is the lack of conviction. “In spite of many challenges I have faced to set up the project of holding children and orphans, I have succeeded to build three thousand houses for them and employ 500 persons and ¾ of them are from “Maison Shaloom thanks to my conviction,” she states. “Burundi is our mother, we cannot abandon our mother even though she is in trouble” she advises the youth.
It is worth mentioning that videos about encouraging youth to work and become good decision makers in their life have been shown.
IWACU Open Data
