On September 13, 2025, the Rotaract Club of Kigali-Karisimbi, together with the Interact Club of Kigali International Community School (KICS), hosted a vibrant half-day event under the theme “Empowering Young Leaders Through Mentorship and Leadership.”
The gathering brought together Interactors, Rotaractors and Rotarians in an afternoon filled with dialogue, shared learning, and practical lessons on leadership. The discussions were designed to highlight how Rotary shapes leaders at every stage of life.
From Interact, which introduces high school students to service, to Rotaract, which strengthens leadership and professional growth among young adults, and finally Rotary itself, which provides a global stage for humanitarian impact, the event demonstrated a clear pathway for leadership development within the Rotary family.
In his key note address, Alexander Ndamukunda, the National Program Coordinator at iLead Rwanda under Africa New Life Ministries in partnership with the Maxwell Leadership Foundation, challenged students to recognize the foundations of true leadership early in life.
“To be a good leader you must be able to understand, build relationships, and start early,” he said, urging them to seize opportunities through debate clubs, Interact, or iLead to refine their character and sense of responsibility.
Rotarian Satish Kumar, former President of the Rotary Club of Kigali-Karisimbi, explained that Rotary’s work is guided by seven areas of focus which include peace and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment, water, sanitation and hygiene.
Others are maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, and protecting the environment.
Reflecting on the roots of the organization, he reminded participants that Rotary came from the word rotate, which means Rotary as an organization gives each member an opportunity to lead and to serve.
He also praised the growth of the KICS and FAWE Interact Clubs as evidence that more young people are embracing leadership and service early in life.
As the sponsoring club of both Rotaract Karisimbi and the KICS Interact Club, Rotary Karisimbi reaffirmed its dedication to building future leaders.
Gratitude was extended to the Interact and Rotaract leadership teams for their commitment, with special recognition given to Lorena Casey Waihiga Mwangi, founder and past president of KICS Interact Club, for laying the foundation that continues to inspire students stepping into leadership today.
A lively panel discussion brought together Ndamukunda, who spoke on leadership, PP Rogers Gasore, who emphasized community service and Dr. Eric Niyitanga, who shared perspectives on career guidance and leadership.
Their combined contributions painted a practical picture of leadership as value-driven, service-oriented, and attainable for young people just beginning their journeys.
The highlight of the afternoon came during the open discussion, where Interactors impressed the audience with their thoughtful insights and confident public speaking.
Rtn. Denis Otango Chinge from the Rotary Club of Virunga expressed his admiration and commended the students’ curiosity and communication skills and stressed the importance of continued guidance from Rotary to ensure their growth as leaders.
In his closing remarks, Eric Mahoro, President of Rotaract Karisimbi, reassured the Interactors of the mentorship available to them. “You have the full support of Rotaract and Rotary as you grow into leaders,” he said.
Rtn. Nzeki Samuel Munyao, current President of the Rotary Club of Kigali-Karisimbi, echoed this commitment, promising ongoing support to both Interact and Rotaract clubs as they continue their leadership journey.
The event captured the energy and inspiration of a day where mentorship, learning, and youthful enthusiasm intertwined. It was not only a celebration of leadership but also a reminder of Rotary’s enduring commitment to empowering the next generation to lead with purpose and service.
