Picture credit: Bible Society /
Around 700 young people gathered for the ABLI Youth Forum on Saturday 19 October for an inspirational conference at the University of Rwanda's Huye Campus.
The conference began with a Walk for Peace through the city of Kigali after a blessing by Mgr Servelian Nzamwita.
After a welcome by Archbishop Antoine Kambanda and with the theme 'Connecting Professional Life with Moral Values', the conference heard speakers including Caroline Wakoli, Hon Clarisse Imaniriho - at 24 years old Rwandda's youngest MP - Huye district mayor Sebutege Ange and Bishop Nathan Gasatura, all drawing on the Bible to bring insights into how Christians can live faithfully and productively in the world today.
Rwanda's National Youth Council presented examples of how young people were engaging in transformational commercial and environmental enterprises.
ABLI moderator emeritus Lord Boateng, who acted as the event's moderator, said: 'Joining the youth from all over Rwanda at the ABLI Youth Forum during their month of Reconciliation and listening to their stories was an object lesson in the power of faith to overcome all that divides us in a world in the grip of deep-seated hostilities between peoples.
'The Churches in Rwanda and the Bible Society have played an active part in bringing people together through sharing the Bible free of all sectarianism in the aftermath of the genocide with practical action-orientated programmes. There are lessons in that for us all wherever we are and whatever our local challenges.
'Africa is the only continent in the world where the number of young people is actually growing. Daniel's story as a youth of purpose, principle , purity of heart and prayer has a resonance in a continent where the life of the spirit is very real. Biblical values are proving critical to opposing corruption, promoting capacity-building and overcoming the day-to-day frustrations that are faced in every walk of life.
'The Youth Forum created a space for the exchange of ideas and experiences across the generations. Hearing about youth enterprise ranging from chilli exports to waste processing was inspirational. The active engagement of policy-makers and the Churches in creating an enabling environment for job creation was showcased and all the participants left with a renewed sense of faithfulness.
ABLI goes from strength to strength. It’s been a privilege to have been a part of something so relevant not just to Africa but the wider world.'
Picture credit: Bible Society /
Mark Woods
