For security and defence forces, the protection and respect of the individual countries cultures and norms has become one of national vital responsibilities. The apprehension of the relationship between national traditions, cultures and values with security has become a fundamental variable in understanding and solving strategic security challenges. It is in the same vein that defence and staff colleges organize cultural festivals and displays to make their students fully conversant with the importance of culture in strategic studies.

For a third consecutive year in the RDFCSC history and to fostering inter-cultural dynamics between students represented on Senior Command and Staff Course; students of SCSC 06 celebrated a Cultural Day as part of their course program on 13 January 2018.

The event’s main objective was to raise levels of consciousness in understanding, awareness and tolerance of inter-culture differences, share different cultural experiences people better know each other, appreciate each other’s culture, values, traditions and practices so that tomorrow when soldiers meet in multinational environment, they don’t have to face any cultural bias or misunderstandings.

The event started with country briefs by respective students and they displayed different aspects of their national cultures.

The students from Czech Republic, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, proudly showcased their national cultural identity through language, music and arts, dance, dressing, cuisine, drinks, social habits, as well as local products.

The RDFCSC Commandant Maj Gen JB Kazura, delivered the key note address during 2018 Cultural Festival displays.

The invited guests toured the countries exhibition stands and they could taste and appreciate various food delicacies.

Students from Rwanda, the host nation

Lt Col Steven KAYIGUMIRE from RDF, course senior, speaking on behalf of his fellow students

The event was attended by invited guests from all the countries represented on the course including Ambassadors, Defence attachés and Senior Officers from RDF and RNP, and as well as Local Government Authorities.