Kigali, Rwanda - UPF-Rwanda Chapter held a commemoration of the International Day of Families at the Alpha Palace Hotel in Kigali on May 19. In the conference Hall were more than 150 people from different walks of life, including politicians, religious leaders, business entrepreneurs, academicians, artists, and ordinary people.
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Among the prominent participants were Dr. Hasmukh Dawda, Chairman of UPF-East Africa; Ms. Zaina Nyiramatama, representing the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion; four Ambassadors and High Commissioners of different African nations; Ms. Jeanine Marengo, representing UNESCO in Rwanda; and Mr. Sayinzoga Jean, President of the Demobilization Commission in Rwanda along with other leaders of national commissions. There were leaders of different spiritual groups, including Brahma Kumaris, a representative of the Mufti of Rwanda, and a large number of reverends and pastors from various churches. Women of different backgrounds included advocates, businesswomen, traditional dancers, and artists.
People from different backgrounds, races, and cultures across East Africa and beyond were present.
The event was held in style. The environment was very exciting, with music, songs, and dances from different cultural backgrounds at intervals creating a wonderful family atmosphere. Several people spoke about family values, good customs, and cultural traditions that help build up healthy families who form healthy communities in the society and nation.
The event was an entertaining and learning experience for all the participants. Everybody went home in a joyous mood enhanced by receiving a gift that was prepared for every family that came to the event by UPF-Rwanda and the event sponsors.
The UN International Day Families event clearly shows that family is fundamental regardless of where people come from and what they do in life. Family issues are global issues. Speakers agreed about the need to tackle global issues starting from families. Governments and international organizations were urged to concentrate more on helping families overcome challenges and problems within the family unit in order to establish a peaceful, harmonious, and well-developed world.
To read more about UPF observances of the International Day of Families 2012, click here.