Fernand, 17, Rwanda
Basic need(s):
Education
Project:
Rwanda4U
Fernand witnessed immense amounts of dissension growing up in Rwanda. “In my neighborhood and in school young people were not on good terms with each other due to ethnic differences.” When he became old enough he established his organization Rwanda4U to combat all of the division and hatred that engulfed his nation. The program specializes in conflict resolution and peace building among the youth. Along with his peers, Fernand created an initiative called, “Journey For Peace.” The campaign, which is a product of its mothership “Rwanda4U,” consists of role plays and debates on Rwandan history, genocide, and the vital position that the youth have in all of it. The organization strives to stimulate mutual understanding between kids because they are the leaders of tomorrow. To date, the project has impacted and influenced approximately 2,000 youths and for Fernand, this is only the beginning. His ultimate goal came to fruition when, in April 2009, he created national awareness for his movement by establishing an event called, “Million Wishes,” which coincided with the 15th annual commemoration of the Rwandan genocide.
