Empowering Kigali’s Youth Through Healing, Talent, and Leadership

From August 7–10, 2024, SolidAct Foundation held the Rise & Shine Youth Summer Camp at SOS Kagugu in Kigali, gathering 78 participants—including 52 secondary school students and 26 primary school children.
This edition brought together teenagers facing emotional pressure, life transitions, and academic challenges, offering a safe space for reflection, mentorship, and spiritual growth.

Emotional Healing: A Foundation for Transformation

The Kigali sessions began with a deep dive into emotional and spiritual healing.
Students courageously opened up about:

• Family conflicts
• Separation of parents
• Low self-esteem
• Academic struggles
• Identity challenges

Through prayer, counseling, group sharing, and symbolic activities, participants found healing, forgiveness, and restored hope.

One secondary school girl shared:
“I used to feel ashamed because my parents separated. Now I know I’m not alone, and God still has a plan for me.”

Talent Discovery: Awakening Purpose

The camp helped young people explore talents such as:

• Journalism
• Preaching
• Music and dance
• Comedy and storytelling
• Sports
• Leadership and public speaking

Many students realized they had skills they had been ignoring.
Nicole, one participant, said:
“I discovered that my talent is valuable, and I will start developing it.”

Developing Vision and Discipline

Participants developed personal vision boards, goal-setting plans, and weekly action steps.
They learned how school clubs, church activities, and community service can help build their identity and shape their future careers.

Boys & Girls Breakout Sessions

Age-appropriate discussions addressed topics like:

• Sexual purity
• Discipline and character
• Emotional boundaries
• Addiction and harmful habits
• Building healthy friendships

These sessions gave youth a safe space to ask questions and seek guidance.

A Camp Filled With Energy and Engagement

The Kigali edition included:

• Praise and worship
• Open-mic talent shows
• Group games
• Teamwork presentations
• Creative activities like “Agaseke k’Ibyishimo” (Basket of Joy)

The energy, passion, and openness of the SOS Kagugu youth made this camp unforgettable.

Unique Challenges—and How We Solved Them

Some facilitators traveled from distant areas with no accommodation, creating arrival delays.
To solve this, SolidAct Foundation increased facilitator numbers and improved activity planning to keep sessions consistent.

Building Rwanda’s Future Leaders

The SOS Kagugu camp proved that Rwanda’s young people are full of potential. They simply need a safe place to heal, dream, and grow.
This camp aligned with Vision 2050 and NST2, promoting mental health, education, talent development, and leadership among Rwanda’s youth.

SolidAct Foundation remains committed to mentoring young people and shaping a generation that is confident, compassionate, and purpose-driven.