Kigali, Rwanda Addressing over 600 young leaders during the Young Leaders Prayer Breakfast held on August 31, 2025, First Lady Jeannette Kagame called on Rwandan youth to approach family and leadership with intention, responsibility, and integrity.
The event, organized by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship, brought together a cross-section of emerging leaders, newly formed families, and youth-driven organizations to reflect on national values, leadership, and faith.
In her address, the First Lady emphasized the role of the family as a cornerstone of national identity and social stability. She reminded participants that the strength of a nation is deeply rooted in the strength of its homes, describing the family as both a “small Rwanda” and a reflection of heaven.”
Calling attention to rising social pressures and the erosion of communal values, Mrs. Kagame encouraged young people to resist the growing culture of self-centeredness and superficial decision-making, especially in matters as critical as marriage and family life.
She warned against prioritizing wedding celebrations over the substance of marriage itself, pointing out that many relationships collapse due to misplaced priorities and societal pressure rather than genuine readiness and mutual commitment.
Mrs. Kagame also stressed that national responsibility begins in the home, challenging young leaders to build households grounded in values that uphold love, accountability, and long-term vision. She underscored that Rwanda’s future depends on the quality of character within its families and the ethical leadership that emerges from them.
The First Lady’s message resonated as both a moral call and a national appeal for the youth to carry forward the legacy of resilience and dignity forged by previous generations, particularly in a country whose recent history has demanded unity, healing, and moral leadership.
The Young Leaders Prayer Breakfast continues to serve as a platform where emerging Rwandan leaders reflect on their responsibilities and renew their commitment to personal and collective transformation.
