I am Dalida Uguyeneza from Rwanda. Carrying the spirit of Africa means embracing a heritage rooted in resilience, unity, and pride. In Rwanda, this identity is profound—it’s a bond to the Bantu people, a legacy of community strength and a warrior’s heart. My melanin skin is more than appearance; it’s a radiant symbol of my heritage, a testament to the beauty and dignity that define our continent.
Yet, despite Africa’s richness in resources—diamonds, gold, and natural beauty—life here has its share of challenges. As an orphan raised by my father, I grew up without access to essential sexual education due to cultural taboos.
Like many, I became pregnant at 17, but I was fortunate to continue my education.
Today, Rwanda is working toward empowering young people through advocacy and awareness campaigns, fostering a brighter future.
Rwanda, my homeland, bears scars from the 1994 Tutsi genocide, a painful result of colonial divisions that fractured our people into Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa.
Foreign influences sowed seeds of division, leading us to unimaginable loss. During and after the genocide, we confronted the depth of this deception. But in our shared heritage, we found strength, igniting a resolve to rebuild and unify.
Now, Rwanda stands as one of Africa’s most secure and resilient nations, our journey a testament to unity and peace.
Every Rwandan sees security as a shared responsibility, a personal duty to preserve harmony.
Our story demonstrates that sustainable peace is achievable through community, mutual respect, and collective effort, offering a blueprint for nations seeking reconciliation.
From the ashes, we’ve risen, proving that unity can transform even the darkest moments into a foundation of strength. Rwanda is a beacon of resilience, showcasing the enduring spirit of Africa.
I am also a testament to Rwanda's resilience. My name is Dalida, I am 28 and an Africa Corps Volunteer.
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The #54FacesofAfrica campaign, launched in December 2023 at the 6th YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, is a collaborative initiative by United Nations Volunteers (UNV), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the YouthConnekt Africa Secretariat (YCAS). This campaign empowers African youth by offering them a platform to share their stories, solutions, and innovations, and contribute to dialogue and policy on Africa’s development.
To download an e-version of the 54 Faces of Africa magazine, please click here.
Dalida is part of the YouthConnekt Africa Summit 2024 and will deliver a motivational talk on her journey as a volunteer at the UNV-led side event on 9 November in Kigali.