In a message that feels as warm as the holiday season itself, Rwanda’s First Lady, Jeannette Kagame, has shared heartfelt reflections on love, marriage, and the irreplaceable value of family. Her words, filled with wisdom and tenderness, serve as a gentle reminder of the power of human connection and the role of strong families in shaping a thriving society.
Mrs. Kagame begins by painting a vivid picture of Kigali in December, a city that seems to transform into the “marriage capital of the world.” With a poetic touch, she celebrates the romance that fills the air, turning seasonal festivities into magical traditions of love. “What a wonderful cause for festivity romance makes!” she exclaims, inviting us to consider the beauty and responsibility of loving deeply and building enduring unions.
But her reflections are not confined to fairy-tale notions of love. She acknowledges the modern challenges of marriage—skepticism, fear of vulnerability, and the disillusionment many young people feel toward commitment. In a world where social media floods us with illusions of perfection, she calls for a return to authenticity. Love, she reminds us, is not about chasing an unattainable ideal but about accepting and growing with one another, imperfections and all.
“Who gave marriage a bad name?” she asks with gentle curiosity, urging us to look beyond the noise of cynicism. Families, she argues, are not traps but treasures—sacred spaces where love, patience, and mutual respect can create miracles. It is within these spaces that children are nurtured, communities are strengthened, and individuals find the drive to grow both personally and professionally.
Marriage, Mrs. Kagame reflects, is not without its challenges. It demands sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to transform. Yet, she assures us, these sacrifices are far from burdensome—they are acts of love that enrich and fulfill. A strong marriage, she says, is built brick by brick, thriving on honest communication, compassion, and a shared commitment to growth.
Her reflections carry a timeless wisdom, blending tradition with the realities of modern life. She encourages us to approach love with optimism and purpose, to choose partners who embody the values we hold dear, and to cultivate relationships that inspire dignity, patience, and companionship.
As the festive season brings families together, Mrs. Kagame’s message resonates as a call to cherish these bonds. She reminds us that the Rwanda we dream of begins in our homes, with the families we nurture and the love we share. Her words, rich with joy and hope, inspire us to embrace the work of love and to build homes that are havens of peace and harmony.
As is a tradition, she extends a heartfelt wish for the season: “Happy holidays, and may our new couples’ homes remain havens of peace and love!” It is a sentiment that lingers, inviting us to reflect on the treasures of love and family and to carry these values into the year ahead.
Read her full article here below.
https://www.imbutofoundation.org/press-room/our-stories/article/a-labour-of-love_-building-resilient-rwandan-families