Date: July 18, 2025

Location: Huye District, Southern Province

Theme: “Twese hamwe, dufatanye gutegura ba Rwiyemezamirimo b’icyerecyezo 2050 – Dushora imbaraga mu iterambere ry’Abana bato n’Urubyiruko.”

(Together, let’s prepare the entrepreneurs of Vision 2050 – Investing in early childhood and youth development.)

A Day of Official Launch and Community Engagement

The second day of the Southern Province Expo 2025 was a momentous occasion, marked by the official launch of the event. The ceremony was attended by provincial and district leaders, exhibitors, and members of the public. The Vice Mayor of Huye District delivered the welcoming remarks, setting the tone for a day of collaboration and innovation. The event was officially launched by the Executive Secretary of the Southern Province, Mr. Nshimiyimana Vedaste.

The day began with a guided tour of the exhibition stands, where leaders and guests had the opportunity to interact with various organizations. RODI Rwanda was honored to be among the exhibitors, proudly presenting its programs and innovations to a wide audience.

RODI Rwanda’s Participation and Program Highlights

RODI Rwanda’s presence at the expo focused on showcasing how its programs align with the national theme of preparing visionary entrepreneurs by investing in children and youth. The RODI team welcomed a variety of visitors, including parents, youth, educators, and local leaders, and took time to explain the core areas of its work.

Early Childhood Development (ECD) Program

In partnership with the National Child Development Agency, RODI supports early childhood development through three key models:
– Home-based ECD: Supporting caregivers with training and resources to create nurturing learning environments at home.
– School-based ECD: Collaborating with schools to integrate early learning tools and practices into classrooms.
– Community-based ECD: Establishing and supporting community centers that provide early learning opportunities for children.

Visitors were especially interested in the use of locally made learning materials and the Caregiver Training Program, which equips parents and guardians with essential skills to support their children’s development.

Youth Empowerment through the Gold Youth Programme

RODI also highlighted its partnership with the Gold Youth Programme and Rwanda Child in Ruhango District. This initiative focuses on empowering secondary school students through peer education:
– Students in Senior Four are trained as Junior Peer Educators.
– Students in Senior Five serve as Senior Peer Educators.

These young leaders are equipped with life skills, leadership training, and mentorship tools to support their peers and contribute positively to their communities. The program aims to build confidence, responsibility, and a sense of purpose among youth, preparing them to become future entrepreneurs and community leaders.

Engaging with Visitors and Sharing Impact

Throughout the day, RODI staff engaged with visitors, explaining how the organization’s programs are designed to empower individuals and strengthen communities. The team demonstrated how its work directly supports the development of children and youth, in line with Rwanda’s Vision 2050.

The booth attracted a variety of guests, including parents and their children, who were particularly drawn to the interactive learning materials and youth-led presentations. Many visitors expressed appreciation for the practical, community-based approach RODI uses to address early childhood and youth development.

Looking Ahead

RODI Rwanda remains committed to working in partnership with government agencies, civil society organizations, and communities to support inclusive development and long-term impact. The organization’s participation in the Southern Province Expo 2025 reflects its dedication to building a future where every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive.

As the expo continues, RODI looks forward to more meaningful conversations, new partnerships, and shared progress toward a brighter future for all.