A Life-Changing Journey: Reflecting on the Giants of Africa Festival and Rwanda’s Resilience

I was fortunate to have my friend Masai Ujiri invite myself and my partner Sven Roehl to a weeklong festival in Kigali, Rwanda, to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of his foundation, Giants of Africa (GOA). What we experienced while there was so much more than I could ever imagine.  The incredible players from all over Africa at the festival, and my time in the company of the Rwandan people, was something that has forever changed my life and my perspective.

 

Inspired by the youth of Africa

The festival brought together an array of incredible basketball talents from across Africa, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose that left an unforgettable mark on my life and perspective. The time I spent in the company of the Rwandan people was both humbling and educational, offering a profound glimpse into their resilience and remarkable spirit. Despite the recent trauma of the 1994 Genocide, the Rwandans have emerged as a strong and united community, cherishing their bonds with one another and their neighbours. One instance of this was when I met a man who told me his parents adopted seven children who had lost their families to the Genocide. He explained that this is just what the people did after the devastation.

 

Leadership on and off the court

During my stay, I had the privilege of meeting His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda. In a moving speech to a gathering of 300 youth from all over the African continent, he commended their dedication, stating, “You have made us proud, that you showed up and you wanted to do what you were doing, and it is like a spark that will spread a fire across our continent.” It is under President Kagame’s steadfast and committed leadership that the people of Rwanda have been able to heal and rebuild.

 

Umuganda

One particular Rwandan practice that left a lasting impression on me was “Umuganda,” a Kinyarwanda word meaning “coming together in common purpose.” On the last Saturday of each month, Rwandans unite to take part in community improvement projects. This can mean anything from building a road to, such as raising money and constructing or fixing a home for a community member is done during Umuganda.

During our visit, we were fortunate to join the community members of the Nyarugenge District’s Norvege neighbourhood as they worked on the construction of a road lane connecting the main road to the heart of the neighbourhood. It was deeply humbling to learn that in the aftermath of such tragedy they have not closed themselves off in fear, but truly understand the phrase “love thy neighbour”.

 

A Feeling of Home

The words of His Excellency Paul Kagame resonated with me when he said, “You’re at home and you should feel at home.” Throughout our stay in Kigali, the people of Rwanda consistently made us feel like part of their warm and welcoming community. Their resilience, unity, and dedication to their neighbours serve as an inspiring example that we can all learn from, particularly in North America, where we sometimes lose sight of the importance of reaching out to our neighbours and demonstrating love and support.

My experience at the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali was more than just a celebration of sports; it was a journey of self-discovery and a profound lesson in unity, resilience, and the power of community. Rwanda, with its inspiring people, has shown us that love and support for one another can triumph over adversity and transform lives.