RDF Command and Staff College students showcase cultural diversity

Musanze, 11 January 2019

Rwanda Defence Force Command and staff College students in Nyakinama, Musanze district today celebrated the fourth Cultural Day as they showcased their respective countries’ cultures through different cuisines, clothing, and dance among others.

Maj Gen Jean Bosco Kazura, the college commandant said the college celebrates this day because it values the students’ various cultures. It’s a platform for students to showcase their way of living, knowledge, characteristics, religion, cuisines, social habits and arts.

“Students showcase their cultural tolerance; they exhibit the level they have reached in sharing cultural differences through education and social network. This is also an opportunity to show that culture exchanges have enabled them live harmoniously, work jointly and to share everything which has made them brothers and sisters,” said Maj Gen Kazura.

He urged all students to strive to promote and respect other people’s cultures which will safe guard and protect the different countries’ entities.

The student representative, Lt Col Annebaut Ufiteyezu said culture enhances social cohesion and unity between people without which the society can hardly survive. "Culture is paramount for defence forces as the doctrine for the military which is based on cultural values. Also, most threats demand joint efforts, whether they are regional, continental or international environment," he says.

Respect of diversity has greatly contributed to building inter-personal relations among students.

Major John Mbale, a student from the Zambian Army wore a skirt, which is a traditional wear from the Lozi people of the Western province of Zambia. He said that recognizing different cultures for them as Army personal is very important.

 “Because of the nature of work we do as army personnel, we don’t only operate in our own countries hence the need to be well versed with cultures of other people and also culture makes us who we are and its preservation makes us proud as Africans,” said Maj Mbale.

Ten countries represented include Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria and Ghana.

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