Rwanda – Bro. Muller, SDB, to young people: "Use your time to learn, build friendships and think together for a better future"

05 May 2021

(ANS - Kigali) - From 15 to 26 April, the Economer General of the Salesian Congregation, Salesian Brother Jean Paul Muller, visited various Salesian works in Uganda and Rwanda, in the "Saint Charles Lwanga" Vice Province of Africa Great Lakes (AGL). In addition to supervising various projects in progress, he also granted an interview to the Communications Office of the Vice Province, in which he spoke about the promising works started in the Vice Province and also offered his vision and suggestions to young people.

Bro. Muller, you arrived in Rwanda after visiting Uganda. What are you looking at in Rwanda?

I came to Rwanda to personally follow the progress, including economic ones, of some projects. In this Province they are truly many and all focused on the development and growth of young people. It is important to understand how they are carried out, to know who takes care of them and to understand if the economic resources are invested correctly.

What was your impression, to know the young people of this country?

I can say that I'm very happy. I met the young people, first in Uganda and then in Rwanda, and we spoke openly. They were extremely sincere in telling me what they think is good and what, instead, could be improved, without however complaining. Furthermore, they said they were happy to have opportunities to continue their studies in Salesian schools and vocational training centers. The number of students in our centers is growing more and more and this is a sign that they feel good here and appreciate our projects.

Did you have the opportunity to visit the projects in Gatenga? What do you think about them?

I have to say I was familiar with this project, I had to do some studies on it and I was impressed, especially with regard to the field of agriculture. Vegetables and greens are grown, young people learn how to do it, without having to import them. In this way, they also learn a job, but that's not all. They learn values such as peace and trust, understand the importance of hard work, and are encouraged to do something positive for the environment as well.

Has the pandemic affected the Salesian missions from a financial point of view?

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 many people are losing their jobs and there are more and more poor people. This can clearly have an economic impact on the Salesian missions in the next two or three years: those who regularly donated sums of money may no longer do so, because they may need that money for themselves and their families. In light of this, we will focus more on consolidating existing projects.

What is your message to the young people of the AGL Vice Province?

You have to believe in your own capacity and your intelligence. I also want to say this: use your time in Salesian houses and schools not only to learn, but also to build friendships and to think, together, for a better future.

The video interview with Bro. Muller is available here.

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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