In Kanombe Sector, Kicukiro District, parents highly appreciate the important role Rising Stars Sport Centre plays in helping children use their holidays productively, protecting them from common temptations during this period, while also teaching them discipline and values that help them grow with direction.
On September 6, 2025, the centre organized its annual event called the “Bye Bye Vacation Match,” where children showcased their football talents, new uniforms were unveiled, and there was interaction with parents. This event provided a good opportunity to demonstrate the progress children have made in training and to give them advice before the start of the 2025/2026 school year.
Ngalambe James, a parent with children at the centre, said the training program was a solution during the holidays. He explained that his child attended training daily, exercised, refreshed his mind, and returned home calm and in good condition.
He said, “During the holidays, they would come for training, exercise their bodies, refresh their minds, then return home to eat and rest well, which helps them think clearly for the days ahead and return to school in very good shape. Also, this enhances their talents because they start early and we support them. Here, they learn discipline and good manners with the help of professional coaches, which will benefit the country.”
He added that children should play with purpose but never forget to study well and help their parents with manageable household chores.
Umutoni Jeannette, the mother of Rugira Gift Davis who attended the event, praised how the centre helped her always know where her child was. She said that previously, her child used to play in unsafe places, but now everything is organized and safe.
She said, “My child used to love playing football in places I did not trust, but now he comes here, which also helps me. At home, he now behaves like a mature young man, knows himself, and thinks carefully!”
Jeannette also said that both parents should work together to take care of their children’s upbringing, including supporting their talents.
Rugira Gift Davis, one of the children at Rising Stars, said he learned about the centre from another child he used to play football with, who invited him to join. Upon arrival, he immediately noticed the difference compared to other playing places.
He said, “What I noticed that is different from other places is discipline. Our relationships with other children are good, there is a schedule, and we are taught to respect each other and work as a team.”
Rugira said he loves football and has a role model he looks up to. He said, “I like a player named Vinicius Junior. I admire his dribbling and discipline. For my future goals, I want to play like him, but I will use the secret of discipline to reach where I want.”
He also encouraged his peers to continue respecting and loving each other, saying, “I ask the children who play with me to have discipline, love, and teamwork. I also invite other children who are not here yet to come and join us so we can win against other teams.”
Rugira Gift Davis showed his commitment to avoiding drugs through sports by staying away from bad influences. He said, “I will continue to play and return home early, avoid people who use drugs, follow my parents’ guidance, and avoid hanging out with children or adults who have bad habits involving drugs.”
He asked parents to increase their support for their children, saying, “I ask parents in general to support us and put effort into buying us equipment and other sports necessities. This helps us think ahead and build ourselves.”
Irasubizwa Boris, another child at the centre, also spoke and said he was brought here by a friend. He said, “When I arrived here, I found a cooperative and disciplined environment. What I would encourage other children my age who are not here is to come and join us.”
He added that he will continue to fight against drugs as a player with goals to one day play for the senior national team, Amavubi. He said, “I will avoid children with bad habits and encourage my peers to associate with good people and obey their parents.”
He also urged children to respect their parents, saying, “When you listen to your parents, they always understand what you ask. My goal is to play for the national team. I will work hard, cooperate with others, and be friends with them. Even though my parents cannot fully support me, I ask them to do their best to help me reach my dreams of becoming the player I want to be.”
Nshimiyimana Elie, President of Rising Stars Sport Centre, said the centre was established to contribute to nurturing the talents of young Rwandan children while helping them grow with good character, good health, and values.
He said, “Sports is life. When a child is helped to develop their talent from a young age, it helps them reach their goals because they grow doing what they love. That is why we chose to contribute to the overall development and well-being of the child by teaching them Rwandan values and cultural taboos.”
He also sincerely thanked local government leaders, especially those of Kabeza Cell where the centre operates, for supporting the project from the idea stage to its current practical implementation.
Jean Damascene Nshimiyimana, the security officer of Kanombe Sector, who attended the event, praised parents for bringing their children to a reliable and well-organized centre, saying it shows visionary leadership.
He appreciated how coaches collaborate with parents in the upbringing of children and requested that reports on children’s behavior, especially during competitions, continue to be provided so they can monitor how children behave in front of different teams.
He said, “I thank the parents who brought the children, and the children for being here. I ask you to continue loving and following up on them because we are neighbors and friends. I also thank the Rising Stars leadership because, so far, there have been no behavioral problems, especially those that damage nearby facilities.”
He requested that the centre continues to be a source of good upbringing and to keep cooperating with security authorities so that the children grow up to be future leaders with values and vision.
Rising Stars Sport Centre, founded in March 2025, has shown that sport is a powerful solution to protect children from unproductive entertainment, teaching them discipline, patriotism, and goals. The centre currently has 52 children, including four girls, all coached by three qualified trainers.
