Social Cohesion and Hindrances to Dignity and Self-Reliance in Rwandan Society
Senior 2 · History
Social Cohesion and Hindrances to Dignity and Self-Reliance in Rwandan Society
Lesson 3 of 4
18 min
Dignity and self-reliance are not only national goals; they are personal ones. Things that hold back an individual, such as dropping out of school, drug abuse or a habit of depending on others, also hold back families and the nation. Knowing what hinders them is the first step to overcoming them.
A hindrance is anything that holds back progress.
| Hindrance | How it harms dignity or self-reliance |
|---|---|
| Poverty | Forces people to depend on others and can lead to humiliation |
| Dependency mindset | Relying on handouts, begging or aid instead of one's own effort |
| Ignorance and school dropout | Limits skills, jobs and informed choices |
| Unemployment | Leaves young people without income or purpose |
| Corruption | Steals public resources and rewards dishonesty over work |
| Drug and alcohol abuse | Destroys health, families and savings, and leads to crime |
| Teenage pregnancy | Often interrupts education and increases dependence |
| Gender-based violence and discrimination | Denies people equal respect and opportunity |
| Genocide ideology and divisionism | Attacks the dignity of others and destroys trust |
| Poor use of resources | Wasting money, time or land instead of saving and investing |
Situation: Gatete, 17, left school and spends his days asking relatives for money.
Hindrances: school dropout, unemployment and a dependency mindset. Steps forward: join a TVET course to gain a skill, for example tailoring or phone repair; save part of any earnings in a savings group; later, start a small business, perhaps with a SACCO loan. Result: an income, self-respect, and the ability to help others instead of depending on them.
Tip
Memory hook: "Skill, Save, Start". Three steps from dependency to self-reliance: gain a skill, save part of what you earn, start something of your own.
What is a dependency mindset?
Solution. The habit of relying on handouts, begging or aid instead of one's own effort.
Explain how drug abuse hinders both dignity and self-reliance.
Solution. It damages health and self-respect, wastes money and savings, breaks families, and can lead to crime and unemployment.
Why is national self-reliance linked to national dignity?
Solution. A country that depends on aid must often accept the conditions of those who give it; one that finances its own development can make its own choices.
Name two programmes that help Rwandans save.
Solution. Any two of: savings groups (ibimina); SACCOs; Ejo Heza.
Remember
Sources and credits
