History and mission of the Youth Centre
Founded in the spirit and charism of St John Bosco, the Gatenga Youth Centre has for 50 years been an oasis of hope, a refuge and a springboard for young people.
Preparatory work began in September 1975 on a vast marshy plot of land in Gatenga. The first three Salesians to settle there were Fr Jean Dingenen (Mitsi), Fr Raphaël Vervust and Salesian Brother Ferdinand Rwabuhungu. The project involved the creation of workshops and fields for cultivation, without neglecting the full range of educational and pastoral activities characteristic of every Salesian house. The building plans were approved on 29 January 1976.
Over five decades, the centre has weathered the eras and challenges of Rwanda’s history whilst remaining faithful to its original mission: to educate, form and evangelise. In Gatenga, the pedagogy of goodness and loving presence is not an empty phrase, but a daily reality lived out through: technical and vocational education, which offers young people a dignified future; sporting and cultural activities, which unite hearts and reveal talents, as was highlighted during the presentations; and spiritual and human accompaniment, which forms upright and committed citizens.
The anniversary celebrations
The solemn celebrations for its 50th anniversary began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali, at 10:00 am (UTC+2).
In an electrifying atmosphere, in the presence of Past Pupils, past and present formators, neighbourhood families and supporters of the Salesian work, the Cardinal recalled that “celebrating this anniversary, on the very day we celebrate the Unity of the Most Holy Trinity, the one God of Love who is and will be eternally, teaches us that we too are called to love one another, to believe in His love and to trust in Him, for that is where our salvation lies. The Gatenga Youth Centre, which we have come to celebrate, welcomes young people in need, who have never known their parents, nor their love, a gift from God in His love. These children have learnt there that God does not abandon them; they have found a welcoming home and have been able to grow up in peace”.
In this way, the Mass of Thanksgiving, the spiritual heart of this jubilee, provided an opportunity to give thanks to the Lord for the multitude of visible and invisible miracles worked through this centre.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the festivities conveyed what constitutes the very essence of Don Bosco’s house: joy. The choirs made the walls vibrate with jubilee songs, traditional and modern dance groups set the stage alight, and acrobats and gymnasts reminded us how sport remains a powerful vehicle for fraternity in Gatenga.
In his welcome address, Fr Gaspard Nteziryayo, the centre’s current Director, greeted the assembly and all the distinguished guests in attendance, including, in addition to Cardinal Kambanda, the Executive Secretary of the Kicukiro District.
“Celebrating 50 years means looking back on the past with gratitude, living the present with enthusiasm and looking to the future with hope. Gatenga has given me everything,” said Tuyishime Denis, a former Past Pupil of Don Bosco, now a family man and successful entrepreneur, with tears in his eyes.
Niyonkuru Emmanuel, representative of the students of Don Bosco Gatenga TSS, thanked the Salesians of Don Bosco who have carried out the tireless work of educating and forming all the children and young people welcomed into this home: there they have met educators, teachers and friends.
Fr Gabriel Ngendakuriyo, Superior of the Salesians of Don Bosco in the Great Lakes Africa (AGL) province, delivered a message of thanks extended to everyone: to God, who gives life and the mission; to the Cardinal for his willingness and collaboration whenever it was needed; to the country’s authorities for their collaboration with the Church; to the faithful gathered to celebrate the jubilee; and to all the Salesians who have dedicated themselves to the mission in Gatenga during this great 50-year journey, presenting them with certificates of recognition.
Finally, the Executive Secretary of the Kicukiro District, representing the political authorities of Rwanda, thanked the Church for its contribution to the integral formation of the human person.
The jubilee celebration, organised to mark the past 50 years, also provided a powerful impetus for the future: “May the flame lit in Gatenga 50 years ago continue to burn brightly, to enlighten the youth and to bring forth thousands of other successes. Umutima w’u Rwanda utere hano! (May the heart of Rwanda beat here!)” was the event’s closing message.
Fr Célestin Ntakiyiamana, SDB
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