On 8^th February 2025, Rwandan community in Poland, in collaboration with the Embassy of Rwanda in Poland, commemorated National Heroes’ Day 2025 in Warsaw, with the theme ‘Heroism and unity for Rwanda’s development’. The event served as an opportunity to reflect on the heroic values that define Rwanda and to celebrate the New Year 2025 with RCA-Poland members.

Through speeches and panel discussions, participants reflected on Rwanda’s national heroes and their remarkable deeds. Given that RCA-Poland is largely composed of youth, the event provided an important platform for learning about and drawing inspiration from Rwanda’s heroes, whose courage and sacrifice enabled the nation to endure and thrive despite hardship.

In his remarks, Ambassador of Rwanda to Poland, Prof. Anastase SHYAKA, who was the guest of honor, underscored the importance of heroism, especially among young people. He reminded participants that throughout Rwanda’s history, heroes have played a crucial role in preserving and advancing Rwanda’s common good and dignity. “Our Heroes are of all times, all ages, and all walks of life - old and young, soldiers and civilians, leaders and ordinary people”, he noted. He urged RCA-Poland members to act as auxiliary ambassadors of Rwanda by representing their country positively. Ambassador Shyaka reminded them of key heroic Rwandan values, including unity, patriotism, resilience and strive for justice and well-being for all.

The Chairperson of RCA-Poland, Mr. Allan NYOMBAYIRE, reminded attendees that Rwandan community has a duty to learn from the exemplary acts of Rwanda’s national heroes and to embody their values in their everyday endeavours.

The panel discussion was composed of Lt Col Pascal MUNYANGABE, Defence Attaché at the Embassy, Dr. Claver NUMVIYIMANA, a lecture at Coventry University, Wroclaw Campus in Poland and Beatrice FEZA, RCA young professional in Poland. Attended youth reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to the development of Rwanda. 

The event had started with a friendly basketball match between two teams composed of RCA-Poland members. It was afterwards concluded by awarding trophies and medals to winning teams and shared dinner with renewed commitments for 2025.