Kagame Says the World Can Learn How Rwanda Confronts Big Challenges, Reports KT Press

ATLANTA, Sept. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- President Paul Kagame says how Rwanda confronts big national, regional or international challenges, despite the country's small size, can be an example for other nations.  He said if Rwanda can address the complex problems created by the country's tragic genocide history, "some of the lessons learned can work for people thousands of miles away."

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"By dressing the challenges of Rwanda, when we succeed...they can also succeed," he said. "If it can work in Rwanda, it can work anywhere else." 

Kagame was addressing over 3,000 Rwandans and friends of Rwanda in Atlanta City on Saturday, during Rwanda Day, a signature event that brings together Rwandans living abroad. 

Rwanda has deployed 4,650 peacekeeping troops to conflict zones, "because Rwanda wants to bring security and political stability to its people, the region and the continent," said Kagame.  The UN ranks Rwanda the sixth global troop contributor. "The idea behind this thinking is big," he said. "It goes beyond Rwanda."

Participants asked Kagame if Rwanda has ideas on dealing with the Ebola crisis in West Africa. The Word Health Organization has invited Rwandan technicians to Geneva to help develop an Ebola vaccine because of their expertise. 

Meanwhile, the First Lady Jeannette Kagame gave a lecture at the Emory University School of Public Health about the country's progress over the last 20 years. She told more than 100 students that Rwanda's poverty levels have dropped from 77 percent in 1994 to 45 percent with the ambition to lower further to 30 percent. Currently Rwanda finances 60 percent of its budget, up from a mere 15 percent 14 years ago.

The President for his part also lectured at Mercer University. Kagame met his Presidential Advisory Council, including Scott Ford of Alltel, Pastor Rick Warren and Professor Michael Porter. Tony Blair, former UK Prime Minister is also a member. 

Former Mayor of Atlanta, Andrew Young, graced the event and declared how Rwanda is his dream country to live in. "Rwanda is one of the few countries you can live happily and raise children. Thank you for peace in Rwanda," he told President Kagame.

Also at the event where former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Dr. Jendayi Frazer and Dr. Bernice Albertine King, daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King.

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SOURCE KT Press